Mike’s Heart Needs Your Help

Mike’s Heart Needs Your Help

Michael Carlat’s heart is failing,and if you know Mike,that is no small thing.

He had a massive heart attack almost 20 years ago,and his chances of survival were so bad that his brother and sister flew to Las Vegas to bury him. Mike pulled through, had subsequent heart surgery,where he was part of a clinical trial which used stem cells that,in theory,repaired and regenerated damaged heart tissue.

Long story short, Mike is the last man standing from that trial,but just barely.

His heart is again failing and he is desperate need of something called V.A.D. ,which is short for a “ventricular assist device “that helps pump blood from his heart to the rest of his body.

Insurance only covers some of the costs,but the extensive travel for months and months of aftercare is difficult,particularly since Mike is also dealing with serious infections in his foot and knee,which may need amputations.

After many years of taking care of his daughters and putting them both through college, Mike has fallen on hard times.

If you grew up in Flushing and played sports with him or you know him from Las Vegas where he attended every volleyball game that his daughter Julz played in, you know Mike has the biggest heart.

Now he needs your help with it.

Anything you can give is deeply appreciated.

Update May 24th

Two things: # 1,I just want to thank everyone who was kind enough to donate money and support me with their get-well wishes. It really means the world to me and I’m grateful to you all.

# 2. Quick update on medical stuff: I’m going to Banner University Medical Center in Phoenix for scans,more tests and blood work in early June,in preparation for VAD surgery soon after. If all goes well, I’m looking at 6 or 7 weeks in Arizona rehab center. To that end,I’d deeply appreciate it if you can share this with anyone who may be able to help out with those substantial expenses. Again,from the bottom of my heart,much thanks !!