Webels' "BIG" Heart Problem
Donation protected
In the midst of this worldwide pandemic, we have just recently discovered a genetic disorder that runs in the Webel family, called Loeys-Dietz syndrome.
One of the key features of Loeys-Dietz syndrome is an enlargement of the aorta, which can lead to a sudden tearing of the layers in the aorta wall (aortic dissection). This is a life-threatening complication that can occur without warning.
I am fortunate and thankful that this discovery has been made prior to a life-threatening emergency, but this big heart is a problem! I will need to undergo open heart surgery to remove and replace my already twice-as-big-as-it-is-supposed-to-be aorta!
My surgery is slated for July 2, 2020. We’ve weighed many generous offers and options for receiving help, and we decided that the risks of breaking quarantine were outweighed by the benefits of having my sister, brother in law, and their young daughter fly across the country to help during the two weeks surrounding my surgery. They’ve both lost their jobs amid coronavirus layoffs - which gives them flexibility to come, but also makes finances harder to muster.
This fund was born in response to the many who have offered to help. We are hoping to raise a funds to get my family here to help while I recover. This includes caring for our 4 children during the weeks of surgery and recovery, which provides Megan space to be with me in the hospital. It also, in my mind critical, gives our kids at shot at having a few fun days in what has become a defeating, stuck-at-home-summer.
The fund will cover the cost of their flights, related travel expenses, and accommodations in a local Airbnb. I am grateful for any support you can give.
-- Matt Webel
Video from Matt
One of the key features of Loeys-Dietz syndrome is an enlargement of the aorta, which can lead to a sudden tearing of the layers in the aorta wall (aortic dissection). This is a life-threatening complication that can occur without warning.
I am fortunate and thankful that this discovery has been made prior to a life-threatening emergency, but this big heart is a problem! I will need to undergo open heart surgery to remove and replace my already twice-as-big-as-it-is-supposed-to-be aorta!
My surgery is slated for July 2, 2020. We’ve weighed many generous offers and options for receiving help, and we decided that the risks of breaking quarantine were outweighed by the benefits of having my sister, brother in law, and their young daughter fly across the country to help during the two weeks surrounding my surgery. They’ve both lost their jobs amid coronavirus layoffs - which gives them flexibility to come, but also makes finances harder to muster.
This fund was born in response to the many who have offered to help. We are hoping to raise a funds to get my family here to help while I recover. This includes caring for our 4 children during the weeks of surgery and recovery, which provides Megan space to be with me in the hospital. It also, in my mind critical, gives our kids at shot at having a few fun days in what has become a defeating, stuck-at-home-summer.
The fund will cover the cost of their flights, related travel expenses, and accommodations in a local Airbnb. I am grateful for any support you can give.
-- Matt Webel
Video from Matt
Organizer and beneficiary
Debbie Beal
Organizer
Haverhill, MA
Megan Webel
Beneficiary