Walt’s Heart Transplant

In 2009, Walt Klein, a Technology Education Teacher at Washington County Public Schools had a massive silent heart attack at the age of 48. At that time his two daughters were ages 4 and 5. His heart attack was undiagnosed and resulted in cardiomyopathy. During an early surgery for cardiac stent placements he suffered a mild stroke. He was placed on the Heart Transplant list in 2009 and due to his health was forced to retire from his 18 year career. His wife Kelly continued to teach music at Washington County Public Schools and later at Worcester County Public Schools. Over the years Walt has experienced many medical ups and downs including a near death experience with a blood thinner induced hemorrhage two weeks after a routine medical procedure.

During  2019 Walt’s condition began to deteriorate due to Congestive Heart Failure, Diverticulitis, Cholecystitis and later septic shock. He had two admissions to the hospital in December 2019 and on December 26 to this present time had his third admission when an episode of chronic firing of his defibrillator put him into cardiac arrest. Walt is a fighter. He was able to successfully undergo a cholecystectomy at John Hopkins earlier this year. But Walt needs a heart and this has put the family at a financial disadvantage. His wife Kelly who has been Walt’s main support is on FMLA leave without pay. The family is now having to pay their portion of health care insurance out of pocket which has depleted their savings. Walt’s daughters are now ages 14 and 15 and are the joy of his life.  This gofundme which is being started by medical social worker and sister-in-law Tammy Holmes is a request for prayers and for financial support of any amount to assist the family in managing the medical and daily living expenses during Walt’s pending surgery and recovery.