Help the Family of Peter with Medical Expenses

I am a friend of the Family of Peter Cicero and I am pleased to set up this fundraiser for assistance with medical and funeral expenses. Although health insurance was in place, it will only cover a fraction of expenses of this magnitude.

A few weeks ago, Peter felt a strange "pop" on the side of his ribcage while stretching before working out. Thinking it was a cracked rib or pulled muscle, he carried on with life......but life quickly began to feel different.

He went to the doctor where he was diagnosed with pneumonia. After a few days and no relief from medications, he went to the ER. It was at this time they discovered he had suffered a massive heart attack a few weeks prior - that "pop" he felt was the defining moment. Things only escalated from there. He was transferred by ambulance and admitted directly to ICU. After a short time there, it was evident he needed more advanced equipment and care.

Peter was life-flighted in his first and last helicopter ride to the cardiology critical care unit of a hospital in Nashville, TN, and taken into the cath lab where he immediately went into cardiac arrest. Sadly, after that event, he never regained consciousness. After several days of relying on an ECMO machine to pump his heart, a ventilator for his lungs, and a dialysis machine for his kidneys, and exhausting all efforts and optimism of the incredible cardiology team, the family and medical staff agreed to turn off the equipment and Peter drifted off peacefully.

To Peter's credit, the medical staff said the damage done to his heart was so extreme, they were baffled at how he was able to continue life as he did for those few weeks. It is a true testament to the state of his health and wellness and his fierce desire to live.

Peter's family is devastated, and his departure has left us sad and lost. The bright spot is that he was a beacon of hope and inspiration for everyone who knew and loved him. He would want the same generosity and caring he showed so many to be continued on his behalf. He was a beautiful human being; a kind and gentle soul and we are all better people because we had Peter in our lives.

Any level of contribution would be helpful and eternally appreciated. On behalf of the family, thank you.