Brother In Law- Heart Transplant Medical Bills

Life can change in an instant.

October 4, 2022 my brother in law (Martin) came home not feeling well and he told my sister he was going to go lay down- everything changed in just a moment. He was rushed to hospital as fast as possible only to see him pass 2 hours later. Doctors managed to restart his Heart after his Heart Stopped and he passed in front of her.

He was kept in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit on machines for the next few days. Going in and out of Congestive Heart Failure. Martin was diagnosed with a rare heart disease - Cardiac Sarcoidosis and Ventricular Tachycardia. On day 14 he had an ICD placed in his chest and was sent home. 2 weeks later, Martin was back in Hospital again as his Heart gave out again and he was kept alive by his ICD. This event happened for the next few weeks, along with multiple stays in Hospital.

On March 9, 2023 - Martin was found by his dog (Maggie May) in the snow - naked in the middle of the night. 911 was called, and was - Rushed - to- hospital by Ambulance. During the first week in hospital - Martin was in a Catatonic State and did not know who he was or the people around, not even his wife of 20 yrs. It was determined Martin obtained a Blood Infection, Pneumonia and had more damage due to his Heart then was expected. During the 2 months in Hospital - Martin had another Heart procedure they removed his old ICD and placed a CRT-D into his chest to hopefully improve his heart function. Martin came home at the end of April. (Unfortunately it was determined the device was not connected correctly later on)

Martin at this time could no longer walk, and needed assistance in daily living- all the time. (A Wheelchair, Ramp, Walker, Stairlift , Bathroom Equipment and a Hospital Bed was brought into the home. Special food was ordered as he was now on a Special Cardiac intake and fluid diet)

On August 9, 2023 - Martin was -Rushed- to hospital again after his CRT-D (cardiac Resychroinzation Defibrillator) went off 22 in his chest in under 20 minutes, he had no pulse again. Since August - Martin has not come home.

On August 21, 2023 (Martin’s wife birthday) - Martin endured another Heart Procedure.

He was supposed to be transferred back to his town for recovery but on August 26, 2023 upon leaving the hospital in an Ambulance to be transferred to another hospital - Martin had Heart Failure again and was - rushed by ambulance to hospital.

On September 5, 2023 - Martin endured another Heart Procedure and at this time - it was found that Martin’s both sides of his Heart was more than 50% damaged on both sides and his Heart was not working very well. Martin was transferred to London - for Heart Care.

Martin had a Heart Balloon installed and was put on multiple machines. It was determined on September 22, 2023 - Martin was not a candidate for a Heart Transplant, and the only option available was a LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device). Martin had to stay on machines to keep him alive.

On October 9, 2023 - “ The Call Came” Martin would get a Heart Transplant.(everything changed - “ GOD intervened “

October 10, 2023 - Martin woke up from his 12 hour transplant surgery. Journey begins….but

Martin won’t be able to return home due to Therapy and Recovery and he must live in the London area during this time.

During this time - My sister has been left to pay the bills, refinance what she can, including my immediate family refinancing to ensure he is taken care of and she is raising their 2 sons by herself. Money has run out. Medical Insurance does not cover hospital stays, nor these types of situations. Ontario OHIP doesn’t cover the costs associated with rare Heart Disease.

We are asking for Help! Martin is asking for Help!

To have him in a home, with healthcare etc. the costs for 6 months is $70,000.

If you are able to help donate towards helping with Martin’s care and my sister, it would be appreciated very much. A lot of people know them, and that they are good people, always there when you need them, something that runs in our family. I thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration.