Heart Transplant Hope: Help Carter and Family

Carter Mills, a 17-year-old from Anchorage, Alaska, is currently awaiting a critical heart transplant due to heart failure. His parents, Dave and Aimee, are with him in Seattle, committed to staying for the next four to six months throughout Carter’s transplant surgery and recovery. They contend with housing, transportation, medical, and a variety of other expenses stemming from this unforeseen tragedy.

As an otherwise active and healthy teenager, Carter was struck by flu-like symptoms that were the first signs of a GI virus that ultimately traveled to his heart.

After the onset of symptoms, his stomach pain escalated and he fell into liver failure, necessitating an emergency medevac to Seattle. It was only there that they discovered he was experiencing both liver and heart failure.

Carter has undergone six surgeries, including the implantation of devices to assist his right and left ventricles (RVAD, LVAD). Carter has experienced complications and complex medical challenges, causing fear, anxiety and uncertainty.

Aimee and Dave are Carter’s unwavering supporters. Aimee serves as a flight attendant with Alaska Airlines, while Dave is an IT specialist with the State of Alaska. Both have exhausted all leave options and are not earning income at this time. They've put their professional lives on pause to be with Carter in Seattle, where he fights for his life.

The family endured the heart-wrenching loss of their son and brother, Hayden, in June 2022, when he was just 19 years old. As they continue to grieve with deep sorrow, they now confront this new crisis. All of this unfolds while Aimee's mother battles a rapid decline due to Alzheimer's and Dave's father undergoes leukemia treatment.

Above all, the family is profoundly grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and encouragement they've received. Expecting nothing, they've cautiously and humbly allowed a GoFundMe to be established.

Your thoughtful contribution, regardless of amount, holds immense value. Each small act of giving combines to alleviate the financial weight on the family.

With much love from friends and family who love Carter, Aimee and Dave very much, thank you for taking the time to hear their story.