Hello!   My name is Tenaya Asan and I am doing this campaign for my dear friend Amy.

Fifteen years ago, my dearest friend Amy Agape made it through an incredible journey of surgically replacing a calcified pulmonary artery by building a new one with a donated aorta. She faced death more than once in this trial and has a rich appreciation and joy for life as a result of it.   Everyone who comes in contact with her benefits from her generous and accepting heart.

This rare disease is continual and after 15 years, the donated aorta that serves as her pulmonary artery needs replacement – and soon.   The opening in her artery is very small and her body is not getting the blood and oxygen it needs. There was an attempt to install a stent into the aorta, but the operation was not only unsuccessful but weakened her body. She has been hospitalized for most of two weeks now.  She will be medivacked from Denver to the Mayo clinic in Minnesota as soon as she is stable.  

Living and other expenses are mounting from loss of income and there are medical expenses that are not covered by insurance.  I am reaching out to her friends, loved ones and other people who are moved to give,  for financial support for few reasons: 1) the insurance doesn't cover travel expenses for Raven to stay in Minnesota with Amy for likely a month.   It is very important that he be there for support in this critical operation.  2) the loss of income is putting a big strain on their already strained income stream.  3) uncovered medical expense are also mounting and are currently $5000.

Fortunately, Amy has been accepted to the Mayo Clinic with the doctor who did the original surgery and her insurance will pay for the second surgery but not any travel expenses for Amy and Raven.  As you might imagine, the surgery is risky, but it is her only chance. Having one of the best surgeons available adds just a little comfort to her family and friends.

Let me tell you just a little about my friend Amy and her family. From the moment I met Amy, I knew I wanted to be her friend; to be around her open heartedness and passion for life.  I admire her greatly for her dedication to love in both the smallest and biggest sense of the word. Knowing the fragility of life so intimately, she has a deep compassion and appreciation of life that shines brightly to those around her. Both she and her husband Raven have chosen professions of helping others – the kind of profession that is extremely rewarding, but unfortunately does not pay well in our society. Raven works with homeless youth in Colorado and travels an hour each way, 5 days a week to his place of work. Amy has a personal counseling business while also getting a degree in ministry. 

They support two children, Owen her 16 year old son and Grace, her 13 year old daughter. I love being around them all because their fun loving spirit and openness with one another is contagious and extends to anyone in their company. It is never dull being with them. Like any family, they have their trials, but their true commitment to caring is a wonderful role model for me.   I have learned about joy,  gentle acceptance and facing challenges with love and courage through my friendship with her.

I hope you will join me in supporting Amy and Raven as they go through this huge, delicate journey. Any help is greatly appreciated.