Donate 4 Al & Joanne

Hi, my name is Diane and I am raising funds to help my dear friends, Al and his wife, Joanne, get through a medical crisis. Al’s story is a long one, it started in 2005 when he had his first heart attack. Another one followed and he had a pacemaker/defibrillator implanted. His heart was damaged and only working at 20-25% capacity. Fast forward to 2023, he has severe congestive heart failure (CHF). He has had several hospitalizations this year, the last in early August for CHF. His body was fluid-overloaded because his heart doesn’t work efficiently. The doctors told Al and Joanne, that Al needs a heart transplant. They suggested that he get a LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device), a device implanted in the chest to help pump blood until he can get a heart transplant. The doctors started the process to get the LVAD but unfortunately Al’s condition deteriorated. He has been hospitalized at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago in the ICU since August 26. He was intubated and on a ventilator, the doctors there placed an intra-aortic balloon pump in his heart to temporarily help pump blood. He is in critical condition, fighting for his life. Joanne has been traveling back and forth to the hospital to stay with him and also work her full time job. The medical bills are piling up, Al’s income has been lost and Joanne is struggling to stay afloat. If you would like to assist with their financial burden, any donation would be greatly appreciated. The funds will go to help with medical bills, travel expenses and household bills. In addition, we would welcome prayers and positive thoughts for Al and his family. Please share his story.