Blessings for Paul & Joanne Branchi

On Monday, our beloved Paul Branchi, “Pop” was admitted into the hospital with weakness and shortness of breath. After an echocardiogram and heart catheterization, our family was given the news that Paul's heart is failing. They do not know why. He has no significant blockages, so there are no surgical interventions. Paul listened as the doctor shared with him that he is in severe congestive heart failure with an ejection fraction of 15% and a blood clot in his heart. This is shocking as he has no prior heart history or comorbidities. He was jogging 2-3 miles several times a week up until 2 weeks ago.

The doctor shared with us, that if something does not change in the next 6-9 months, we will most likely lose our favorite prayer warrior! The doctor laid out a treatment plan for us which will include many medications, biweekly trips to the congestive heart clinic, coumadin clinic, cardiac rehab and cardiology. He will have to wear a life vest 24 hours a day for the next 3 months. After 3 months, if he has not responded to treatment, he will be the proud owner of an implanted defibrillator. If after 6 months, he has not responded to treatment, he will be looking at heart transplant.

We are first asking for prayers - PLEASE pray for Paul to respond to medical treatment and be healed! Also, if you are able to help in any way financially, I know that it would be a huge blessing to them. As many of you know, Paul and my mom are "retired". Like most retired couples that worked humble jobs, they live on a very tight budget. This includes Paul working part-time at a grocery store and they clean a couple of houses a month to make ends meet. Paul was told that he cannot work at this time. Paul was very concerned about not being able to work, and kept asking the cardiologist if he could go back in a couple of weeks, to which he received a resounding no. Any funds received will be given directly to them to be used for medication, medical bills and to help offset Paul's not being able to work over the next 6-12 months. Thank you for praying, loving and caring for our Pop!