Help Deanna During Her Heart Transplant Journey

Hi, my name is Shannon. Deanna has been a dear friend for over 35 years. She is a wonderful wife, daughter, mother, grandma, friend, sister, and aunt. For 16 years Deanna has struggled with heart failure due to an infection. Over the years she has undergone numerous procedures and surgeries to help improve her heart strength. Her heart continued to get weaker, so an LVAD was inserted 6 years ago. This is a device internally placed around the heart to mechanically make it pump. Meanwhile, she remained on the transplant list. While this was a life saving surgery, the obstacles of having to carry an external battery attached to her at all times really began to affect her quality of life.

On September 19, Deanna finally got the call we have all been praying for. A match!! Deanna and Nick got on a plane immediately, and two days later the donor heart was successfully transplanted. While we rejoiced, we certainly prayed for the life that was taken so Deanna can live on.

Deanna and Nick will both be off work for an indefinite amount of time. She will have to remain at Cedar Sinai in California for at least a couple months. Please help with their burden of expenses which include medical bills, loss of wages, and very expensive travel/accommodations.

Any amount of donation is greatly appreciated. Her family and friends appreciate all the love, support, and prayers.