A heart for Barbara Jo, end of life care and expenses

UPDATE APRIL 2024:

Hello everyone,

First and foremost, thank you to everyone who has generously donated and sent well wishes to Barb to date, it has meant the world to Barb to see and hear from friends and family near and far as she embarked on this heart transplant journey! Your kindness and compassion has not gone unnoticed, and Barb has nothing but gratitude for all that you have done!

This Go Fund Me was created when Barb relocated to WI in July 2023 to begin the heart transplant process. After several months of tests, exams, and trips to UW Madison she was accepted as a candidate for a transplant. This was no small feat and we appreciate the physicians at UW Madison for all the care they provided Barb through that process!

Unfortunately, Barb's transplant candidacy is no longer due to other health complications arising. In March/April 2024, Barb's liver and kidney function significantly declined as a result of several years of heart medications taking a toll and consequently, Barb is no longer eligible for a heart transplant. The damage to her liver and kidneys is irreversible and physicians have determined there are no other medical interventions that can be taken or explored to improve her condition. Barb was transferred to an assisted living facility in mid April 2024, where she will be provided care by the facility's hospice team. At this time Barb's comfort is of the utmost importance and we are appreciative of the kindness and care she has received thus far (from staff and those who have been able to visit).

Barb has expressed her wishes for arrangements to be made after her passing, and her family will ensure those wishes are respected and fulfilled accordingly. Details about arrangements made will be posted on this fundraiser when the time comes.

Please consider donating to this fundraiser if you are able, to assist with the costs of end of life care.

July 2023:

For the past 21 years our aunt, Barbara Godsey, has been fighting a constant battle with hereditary heart disease. Leading up to this GoFundMe, she has won all the battles that followed 2 major heart attacks that resulted in severe damage to her heart. Barb has conquered 19 angiograms, 3 angioplasties and 3 stents, as well as a triple bypass surgery followed by 2 bypasses collapsing. Additionally, Barb has endured 2 ablations due to two different types of severe arrhythmias. Most recently, Barb has struggled with severe episodes of heart failure and we nearly lost her more times than we could have imagined. All of this has caused her heart to steadily decline and at this time, her heart function is only 15% and a heart transplant is her only option for survival. Barb is now abruptly moving cross country, from Nevada to Wisconsin, to receive the transplant as soon as possible at UW Health University Hospital.

Throughout Barb's decades long battle with cardiovascular issues and complications, she has worked as an in- home caregiver to others as much as her health has allowed her to. She is hopeful the transplant will allow her to return to the profession she loves and the clients she has cared for as soon as possible, but the timing of her recovery is unknown. In the interim, Barb is relying on her savings and family to afford basic necessities, and is in need of additional assistance while awaiting the transplant and to afford recovering afterwards.

The financial reality of the upcoming heart transplant has added an additional stressor to this urgent matter. The cost of relocating at a moment's notice is rapidly accumulating and the medical expenses not covered by insurance will soon add additional pressure. The purpose of this GoFundMe is to gather as much funding as possible through your generosity to ensure Barb receives the care she is in need of during this critical time; the type of care she has long provided others throughout her career. Eventually, Barb would like to return home to her beloved German Shepard, Mako, and other relatives out west. Ultimately though, Barb wants to be able to walk, talk and breathe at the same time and be surrounded by her family for many years ahead.

The funds will be used for newly accrued medical expenses and relocation costs. Any contribution would be greatly appreciated, as would sharing this GoFundMe and sending prayers!

With much love and gratitude,

Barb & the Thomas Family