Mark Theard's Road to Heart Surgery

Our friend Kelly Stewart Theard is fighting a frustrating fight. Her husband is in need of a heart transplant, but Blue Cross Blue Shield won't cover the Bariatric Operation needed to eventually save his life. Right now she is starting to sell their belongings to raise money, but they shouldn't have to do that. Please let's all help our friend, her husband and their children by giving what we can.

OK... so, those that know our story knows that Mark Theard needs a surgery in order to stay alive. Yes.. it is that serious. Mark had cardiac arrest on Oct. 16, 2011. He actually died and the emts shocked him twice and brought him back. He was dead for 12 minutes. Everyone is amazed that he is still with us today. Marks heart is steadily declining. His cardiologist/heart failure doctor has said that he will need a heart transplant within a year or two. She has also said that if he doesn't get weight off, he will not be a candidate for a heart transplant. Our insurance does not approve bariatric surgery regardless of medical necessity. Mark's doctor has written a letter explaining his health situation and that he can do very, very limited exercise due to shortness of breathe. She has asked BCBS to cover the surgery. They keep saying it will not be covered. Its an exclusion on the policy. With that being said, I am selling things in the house to raise money for the surgery. I am trying to do whatever I can to raise money as I am fearful that if we wait too long, Mark will not be well enough to have the surgery. As of right now, the doctor feels he would be able to get through the surgery by means of cardiac anesthesia.