Michael, my husband, a father of two, grandfather of four, diagnosed with CHF several years ago is recovering from a massive heart attack July 11, after collapsing in living room and transported by ambulance, he coded 3 times on route to hospital in Ocala FL . Where they saved his life by putting him on two life support systems. ER doctors said the next 12 hours were critical and we were told to prepared for the worst. The next morning despite being intubated he was awake and very responsive, the first on many miracles. We knew then God was not done with him yet. That evening Michael was transported to a hospital 2 hours away in Orlando FL, where within a few days he was up and walking,he spent 2 weeks receiving critical cardiac intensive care before having the first of the two life support ECMO system successfully removed. After spending another six weeks in cardiac unit they were able to successfully remove the second Impella life support system from his body but his heart function did not strengthen, it is still only operating at 10-15 percent. Observing him a few more days, they thought they successfully weaned him off all the IV medications and transported him back to Ocala hospital where they discharged him home. Unfortunately, four days later he was readmitted to Ocala hospital with kidney and liver failure and transferred once again back to Orlando where their fantastic heart transplant team quickly assessed the problem and corrected it, (both organs are functioning at normal) discharging him home again but this time with IV administered medication and a very close monitoring support system. This means twice a week driving 2 hours one way to Orlando for appointments with their cardiologist, labs and heart transplant team. After four weeks they are scheduling him for heart transplant evaluation with possible LVAD system device being implanted until transplant takes place. Both open heart surgeries the LVAD and heart transplant will mean a month minimum stay in hospital for each. All truly are miracles. We are only halfway through this incredible journey and since its beginning, Michael has faced the daily challenges and complications of this condition with faith, determination, and the unwavering support friends and loved ones. By the grace of God and through constant prayers, we have been blessed. Michael has made encouraging progress with his strength, and ability to walk on his own and be more independent though he still faces months of therapy and recovery. His wife, Sheila, has remained by his side throughout his care spending several nights per week with him in hospital while friends and loved ones help with transportation back and forth to Orlando, meals, gas, tolls and everyday yard work/house maintenance. With Sheila already away from work for more than a year to be home with him knowing his days were numbered has no additional income, they are facing the financial challenges of incurring medical bills, gas, tolls, car upkeep and daily utilities and maintenance.
Michael is a deeply caring person—always willing to help. Above all, he is a devoted husband and father/grandfather who would do anything for his family. After crossing over to the other side and having the privilege of coming back he wants nothing more than to spread his faith and live life to its fullest.
His wife and daughters have organized a fundraiser and are asking for donations of any amount to help ease the financial burden on their family. The funds will help the family manage everyday living expenses as well as rehabilitation, his transplant/LVAD and recovery needs as they become clearer.
If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser and keeping Michael, Sheila, and their children/grandchildren in your thoughts and prayers.
Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support during this incredibly difficult time.
