Ralphs Journey to a Longer Life

Hi my name is Jacki and I am raising funds for the best guy I know, my Dad Ralph. My Dad has given my family everything and never asks for anything for himself. My Dad had a massive heart attack in his 30’s which he miraculously survived. He has since survived a quadruple bypass and severe septic shock. His initial heart attack damaged his heart so severely that he has been slowly declining in health. Recently he has progressed into to advanced end stage heart failure. My Dad can no longer walk 10 feet without been winded, has severe coughing spells and is tired all the time because his heart only works at 20%. He has been given a chance to have a longer life with the implantation of an LVAD machine while he waits to see if he can get a heart transplant. A left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is a pump used for patients who have reached end-stage heart failure. They surgically implant the LVAD, a battery-operated, mechanical pump, which then helps the left ventricle (main pumping chamber of the heart) pump blood to the rest of the body.

He is being treated at New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington which is 1 hour away from his home. My Mother has had to retire early to help be a caregiver in this time of need. Any funds donated will be applied to high out of pocket medical bills, travel accommodations, gas, food and living expenses and long term rehabilitation.

Thank you all for taking the time to read and your generosity and thoughts and prayers.