Dave Diemer Family Support

I am writing on behalf of my brother Dave, his wife Holly, and their children. Dave suffers from Marfan’s syndrome, a hereditary disease which affects his connective tissue including the tissues in his cardiovascular system. On September 16th, 2023, Dave went out for a jog and suffered a catastrophic aortic dissection. In other words, a tear occurs in the inner layer of the body’s main artery (aorta). Blood rushes through the tear, causing the layers of the aorta to split (dissect). This is often deadly before arrival at the hospital. By the grace of God, the swift action of his youngest son calling for help, and the highly skilled medical team he survived the ten-hour surgery yet has a very long road ahead of him.

The surgery was followed by a week of heavy sedation, ventilator support, continuous dialysis, and the determination that Dave had suffered a stroke because of the dissection. When Dave was finally brought out of sedation, we were overjoyed that though the answers were one syllable it was still the Dave that we knew. After six weeks in the ICU with many ups and downs, Dave was moved to Mary Free Bed for rehabilitation. Although his cognitive abilities remained intact, Dave was still having issues with his kidneys, heart function and due to the stroke issues with the use of his right arm and hand, specifically the use of his fingers for fine motor activities. It remains difficult for him to use his right hand for many activities.

After 2 weeks at Mary Free Bed Dave returned home, exactly 2 months after the dissection. Our excitement was short lived however after 3 days on November 20th, Dave was having difficulty breathing and coughing and returned to the hospital and the Cardiothoracic ICU. At this time, it was determined that his heart function was only 5-10 percent, and he was again critically ill. This is when the team stated that Dave would most likely need a heart transplant. To say this took us by surprise is an understatement, and in some ways, it felt like we were right back to where we started. Once Dave was stabilized, he was transferred to University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor for further evaluation and testing to see if he would even be a candidate for a transplant due to his Marfan’s syndrome and damage to his descending aorta. The doctors are first adjusting his multiple medications in hopes that his heart will strengthen in time. They have allowed him to come home with a Life Vest defibrillator that he must wear 24 hours a day. If his heart does not seem to heal and strengthen he will be added to the transplant list.

Adding to the family’s concern is that Dave’s work, which has been extremely helpful, can no longer hold his position meaning that Dave has lost his job as general manager due to this illness. While this is disappointing for Dave to lose a job he so enjoyed, it also means that he and his family will lose their health insurance mid March adding to the list of financial uncertainties. Holly is unable to work currently as she is caring for Dave and managing their children at home, as well as coordinating multiple doctor’s appointments, medication administration, lab draws, etc.

We are slowly adapting to this long and twisting journey, trying to be thankful in all circumstances although at times we struggle. Dave, Holly, and the kids as well as the rest of the extended family are learning to count the many blessings that God continues to provide. We easily could have lost Dave that first night, and at other times along this path. It could have been a different version of Dave when he finally opened his eyes. We have all been so thankful to friends, church families and extended families for their prayers, concerns, and gifts. Please know that we are all overwhelmed with gratitude. Thank you.

Although Dave is currently at home, this uncertain path continues. He continues to have medical needs, assistance with his Life Vest defibrillator and waits for the next steps about a heart transplant. If a heart transplant is deemed necessary, after the transplant surgery there will be additional expenses, appointments, anti-rejection medications and recovery needs. With Dave’s expenses and the cost of managing our family at home we have come to accept that we need financial help. Any amount will be appreciated. If unable to donate at this time, can we ask if you can please keep Dave, Holly, Joe &Abby, Abbe, Bryan and Laudi in your prayers? Thank you again to all of you.

The Diemer Family

Please note: While we are primarily using GoFundMe to receive contributions, if this is not your preferred way of giving, we do have another option available: checks may also me made out to Dave and Holly Diemer and mailed to their church where they will be held until a family member can collect them and deposit them.

Dave and Holly Diemer

c/o Seymour Church

840 Alger Street SE

Grand Rapids Mi 49507