Heart Transplant
Donation protected
Miguel Antonio Barnes- Cruz is a husband, father, brother and my son. Since returning from Afghanistan and retiring from the military his health has steadily declined. Approximately, 4 years ago he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and at that time diabetes too. The prognosis of those combined ailments is grim, a life expectancy of 5 years from diagnosis. He had a defibrillator placed in his chest to monitor his heart and he was determined to rid himself of the diabetes. But, he would need to have corrective surgery on his damaged ankles.
So, in an attempt to get his life back on track, he went in for surgery on his foot, hoping this would allow him to become more physically active and reverse the diabetes. Instead, he nearly died on the table. When I arrived at the hospital and saw his condition, it occurred to me that I would be one of those parents who buries her child.
Gratefully, he recovered from that incident but there were to be several others. I wanted him to visit Mayo Clinic or somewhere that would look at him as a team, but that was not happening. He attacked his diet and began eating better, but it was a slow process. His cardiologist said he needed a new heart. The heart was not pumping enough blood for the kidneys, causing a build up of fluid around his heart and in his lungs. This would take him to the hospital several more times until finally, he made it to the LVAD transplant team evaluation in Denver and placed on the transplant list. YEAH!!!!
While most of the medical expenses will be covered, once he receives the call for the surgery, the family will need cash on hand. He will be in the hospital for at least 6 weeks and afterwards will need to travel to and from Colorado Springs at least weekly for up to a year. His family will have to cover the cost of travel expenses, hotels for overnight time while in Denver, babysitting expenses, home-care assistance and any co-pays. We do not know when the call will come but the transplant team advises us to be proactive and think ahead financially.
If you cannot donate, your good thoughts and prayers to the universe are appreciated.
Thank you
Miguel's Mom
So, in an attempt to get his life back on track, he went in for surgery on his foot, hoping this would allow him to become more physically active and reverse the diabetes. Instead, he nearly died on the table. When I arrived at the hospital and saw his condition, it occurred to me that I would be one of those parents who buries her child.
Gratefully, he recovered from that incident but there were to be several others. I wanted him to visit Mayo Clinic or somewhere that would look at him as a team, but that was not happening. He attacked his diet and began eating better, but it was a slow process. His cardiologist said he needed a new heart. The heart was not pumping enough blood for the kidneys, causing a build up of fluid around his heart and in his lungs. This would take him to the hospital several more times until finally, he made it to the LVAD transplant team evaluation in Denver and placed on the transplant list. YEAH!!!!
While most of the medical expenses will be covered, once he receives the call for the surgery, the family will need cash on hand. He will be in the hospital for at least 6 weeks and afterwards will need to travel to and from Colorado Springs at least weekly for up to a year. His family will have to cover the cost of travel expenses, hotels for overnight time while in Denver, babysitting expenses, home-care assistance and any co-pays. We do not know when the call will come but the transplant team advises us to be proactive and think ahead financially.
If you cannot donate, your good thoughts and prayers to the universe are appreciated.
Thank you
Miguel's Mom
Fundraising team: Miguel's Heart Team (4)
Stephanie Barnes
Organizer
Rego Park, NY
Miguel Carlito Omen Cruz
Team member
Mustafa Barnes-cruz
Team member
Taina Ruiz
Team member
