My 43 year old nephew, Shawn has a condition that generally affects individuals much older than him and his only chance at survival is an artificial heart.

 At the age of 31 he had his first heart attack which left him with less than 50% of his heart function.  At the age of 41 he experienced congestive heart failure and another heart attack which left him with only 13.6% of his heart function. 

Shawn has been very brave and not worrying about himself, but he has become more family oriented and helping others.  The extended family has become very dependent on his optimistic attitude and strength as the family has had a string of family deaths and he also assists with caring for his aging grandparents.  

People have a hard time believing Shawn is ill because he is a big man.  He looks strong, healthy and has such a positive attitude that people think that he is joking when he tells them his condition.   Recently, Shawn went to the hospital due to shortness of breath and learned that his heart is failing.  He cannot go home.

Shawn is on medicine that is forcing his heart to beat.  He would die without this medicine.  The doctors (and there have been many) have worked very hard to find ways to extend his life and the ADLD (artificial heart) is his only option.  

Shawn needs assistance for living expenses.  His insurance does not pay for all the medical bills, but his concern at this time is to keep current on bills and expenses while in the hospital.  He has already spent over a month in the hospital and is still unsure when the surgery will occur.   How long his hospital stay will be is unknown.

Shawn has to have a new heart.  This artificial one is his only option.  Help him to not worry about finances and maintaining his home while he fights for his life.  Please make contributions to "Shawn's New Heart."