Help for Julian Gardner's Heart Transplant
Donation protected
My brother and friend, Julian Gardner needs our help!
Julian is 47 and has suffered two heart attacks. By the grace of God, he has survived both. In 2018, Julian was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure. Unfortunately, his damaged heart pumps less blood to his kidneys and causes fluid and water retention. The Heart Failure Team removed 30 pounds of water weight from him in 2018, but that was only the start of his problems. The excess water kept coming back, and always more than before. The doctors tried giving him large amounts of diuretics, and that didn't work. The diuretics only taxed his kidneys.
In 2019, Julian got an LVAD, Left Ventricular Device, implanted into the left side of his heart to act as a pump. He was told that getting this highly evasive surgery would improve his quality of life and be a bridge to his transplant surgery; however, his health has gotten worse. In the past 20 months, Julian has been to the hospital for more than 20 overnight stays, has had three driveline infections, and his kidneys deteriorated to the point that the doctors won't clear him for a transplant.
Every day, Julian walks, watches his caloric intake, and prays that he will make it through his transplant. The doctors have advised Julian that he needs to lose 25 pounds to be actively listed as an eligible recipient for a heart transplant. Although heart failure makes weight loss challenging, and the 50 pounds of water weight makes exercise difficult, Julian is dedicated. Since getting out of the hospital two months ago, Julian has started cardiac rehab and will start the Bariatric Weight Loss clinic at the end of September. He has already lost 5 pounds in a month and is right on track to keeping the weight off. With these new programs, Julian hopes to make his weight loss goals and that his kidneys will continue to naturally improve function.
Julian is currently unable to work because of his health, energy level, and the stress of his former jobs. This whole process has been an enormous struggle, but he is extremely strong-willed and has a strong belief that he will get a new heart. Julian believes his journey is supposed to happen this way because he is strong enough to handle it.
I come to you humbly to ask for your financial support to assist Julian with his continuously mounting $200,000 hospital bills and living expenses. He does get some disability, but it isn't enough to live and make medical payments. Alleviating some of the financial stress will go a long way in helping Julian's health and recovery. I would like for him to be able to focus on getting the weight off and preparing for his new heart, rather than the stress related to years of medical debt.
Julian is a great friend, mentor, and father, and now he needs our help. Thank you in advance for considering a contribution.
Let's Help My Brother Out!
James
Here are some pics of his kids that he's working so hard for everyday.
Julian is 47 and has suffered two heart attacks. By the grace of God, he has survived both. In 2018, Julian was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure. Unfortunately, his damaged heart pumps less blood to his kidneys and causes fluid and water retention. The Heart Failure Team removed 30 pounds of water weight from him in 2018, but that was only the start of his problems. The excess water kept coming back, and always more than before. The doctors tried giving him large amounts of diuretics, and that didn't work. The diuretics only taxed his kidneys.
In 2019, Julian got an LVAD, Left Ventricular Device, implanted into the left side of his heart to act as a pump. He was told that getting this highly evasive surgery would improve his quality of life and be a bridge to his transplant surgery; however, his health has gotten worse. In the past 20 months, Julian has been to the hospital for more than 20 overnight stays, has had three driveline infections, and his kidneys deteriorated to the point that the doctors won't clear him for a transplant.
Every day, Julian walks, watches his caloric intake, and prays that he will make it through his transplant. The doctors have advised Julian that he needs to lose 25 pounds to be actively listed as an eligible recipient for a heart transplant. Although heart failure makes weight loss challenging, and the 50 pounds of water weight makes exercise difficult, Julian is dedicated. Since getting out of the hospital two months ago, Julian has started cardiac rehab and will start the Bariatric Weight Loss clinic at the end of September. He has already lost 5 pounds in a month and is right on track to keeping the weight off. With these new programs, Julian hopes to make his weight loss goals and that his kidneys will continue to naturally improve function.
Julian is currently unable to work because of his health, energy level, and the stress of his former jobs. This whole process has been an enormous struggle, but he is extremely strong-willed and has a strong belief that he will get a new heart. Julian believes his journey is supposed to happen this way because he is strong enough to handle it.
I come to you humbly to ask for your financial support to assist Julian with his continuously mounting $200,000 hospital bills and living expenses. He does get some disability, but it isn't enough to live and make medical payments. Alleviating some of the financial stress will go a long way in helping Julian's health and recovery. I would like for him to be able to focus on getting the weight off and preparing for his new heart, rather than the stress related to years of medical debt.
Julian is a great friend, mentor, and father, and now he needs our help. Thank you in advance for considering a contribution.
Let's Help My Brother Out!
James
Here are some pics of his kids that he's working so hard for everyday.
Organizer and beneficiary
James Sutton
Organizer
Madison, WI
Julian Gardner
Beneficiary