Michael is currently in St Paul’s hospital in Vancouver in need of a heart transplant. He has just had surgery to have a cardiac assist device (LVAD) installed. This is an external pump which is used to sustain life for patients who do not qualify for a transplant or who are on the transplant list and waiting for a heart.
In Michael’s case, his health has deteriorated to the point where he does not qualify for a transplant . The transplant team is hoping that the LVAD will improve his circulation, and in turn improve his general health enough to qualify him for placement on the transplant list.
After the LVAD surgery Michael will stay in hospital for about one month, and then continue to stay in the lower mainland for several more months as he works through many more hospital visits and rehabilitation. During this time, he is required to have someone with him 24 hours a day, a duty that will be lovingly fulfilled by Michael's wife Val.
Of course, all of this will place significant emotional and financial strain on both Michael and Val. Their bills, home mortgage payments, and overhead and expenses for Michael's business (Omus Band Instrument Repair ) will continue to mount even as their income is reduced to zero.
Any help that you can provide, large or small, will go a long way toward helping Michael and Val get through this tough time. Mike's cousin Nick Garding has set up a trust fund for Mike, and all donations will be deposited there.
With deepest gratitude,
Nick Garding and Les Kobayashi
In Michael’s case, his health has deteriorated to the point where he does not qualify for a transplant . The transplant team is hoping that the LVAD will improve his circulation, and in turn improve his general health enough to qualify him for placement on the transplant list.
After the LVAD surgery Michael will stay in hospital for about one month, and then continue to stay in the lower mainland for several more months as he works through many more hospital visits and rehabilitation. During this time, he is required to have someone with him 24 hours a day, a duty that will be lovingly fulfilled by Michael's wife Val.
Of course, all of this will place significant emotional and financial strain on both Michael and Val. Their bills, home mortgage payments, and overhead and expenses for Michael's business (Omus Band Instrument Repair ) will continue to mount even as their income is reduced to zero.
Any help that you can provide, large or small, will go a long way toward helping Michael and Val get through this tough time. Mike's cousin Nick Garding has set up a trust fund for Mike, and all donations will be deposited there.
With deepest gratitude,
Nick Garding and Les Kobayashi
Organizer
Les Kobayashi
Organizer
Kelowna, BC