Help 4 Cindie: Raise Funds LVAD Surgery & Rehab

Dear friends, family, and supporters alike,

I am writing today to ask for your help. As some of you may know, I have been battling Chronic Heart Failure for the past 12 years, and medicine is no longer a means for healing. Due to significant health changes and issues, I will have to address an LVAD surgery within the next month or three months.

The Left Ventricular Assist Device, or LVAD, is a mechanical pump implanted inside the chest to help the weakened heart pump blood. The LVAD is not a replacement for the heart but will act as a bridge before a heart transplant is an option.

Amongst the everyday challenges associated with any open-heart surgery, there are also psychological and emotional obstacles that will be faced. Though the LVAD will allow me to continue to live a productive life, there are limitations and lifestyle changes that I will endure. For example, the device contains internal and external components. The pump will sit inside of my body, while the power supply will be outside of my body. But I will consistently have to wear a battery pack, controller and six additional batteries wherever I go.

As you can imagine, the medical and general living costs associated with weekly doctor's appointments, surgery, and post-surgery rehabilitation

will be astronomical. I have been lucky enough to have my insurance help with a portion of the co-pays and surgery but will have no means for finances to recover during the rehabilitation period. The hospital stay will last four weeks; I will be in ICU and then another three weeks outside the hospital for rehabilitation. At that point, I will be going to and from post-op appointments for updates. This also means I will have to relocate from Sacramento to Santa Clara for at least seven weeks for the entire procedure and recovery time.

I already have a defibrillator that assists my heart in pumping 100%, which is also due to be replaced soon. It does seem like one thing after the next. To even ask for assistance is something I regret, but I am reaching out for your help due to my financial bind. Foremost, thank you for taking your time and consideration of the matter. Any help is genuinely appreciated during this struggling time.

Sincerely,

Cindie and Family