2 heart surgeries in 2 weeks ❤️‍

Kedrick Flomo, a close friend of mine, is a 25 year old native of Winston-Salem NC. He played Division 1 basketball for Murray State University until his career was cut short due to heart complications. He had open heart surgery back in 2015 but after a routine checkup earlier this year his cardiologist noticed some complications with the valve that was replaced in his 2015 surgery. Therefore he had a second surgery on 03/17/22. After a difficult recovery, additional post-op tests were performed where Kedrick found out that not only the second valve that was replaced was not functioning properly, but they also found a leak in his heart. Therefore in less than a month Kedrick had to go under another surgery making his third open heart surgery at the age of only 25. 

We are using the cost of his first surgery back in 2015 which was $500,000 as the baseline of the anticipated costs of the recent 2 surgeries. After insurance, the family is still responsible for paying 10% of the anticipated $1,000,000  in expected medical bills. This is why we have a goal of $100,000. 





If you would like to learn more about Kedrick's background and story please read below. 


If you're from Winston-Salem or the surrounding area, chances are you have probably seen or heard of the story of Kedrick Flomo. For those of you unaware, Kedrick Flomo was a local basketball phenom who broke several records at North Forsyth High School in Winston-Salem, NC. He was awarded a full athletic scholarship to Murray State University, a Division 1 university that has produced the likes of Ja Morant, Cameron Payne, and Isaiah Canaan.

 

Shortly before the start of Kedrick's Sophomore season, he started having difficulty keeping up with the physical demands of the workouts he usually handled with ease and decided to visit the university's nurse, a visit that probably saved his life. From this visit, he was referred to a cardiologist who suggested immediate heart surgery. In a matter of 24 hours Kedrick's life had turned upside down.

 

By the grace of God, Kedrick's first surgery was a success but unfortunately he was not cleared to return to basketball. Instead of giving up hope and branching off into a life of self-pity and bad decisions, Kedrick turned his focus back on his education and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a Bachelor's Degree of Science in 2019.

 

He works as a Logistics Broker for Total Quality Logistics, but also trains the next and upcoming generations of hoopers with his long term trainer and mentor Kenneth Bates, served as Assistant Coach for North Forsyth High School's Basketball Team, and even finds time to coach 11-13 years olds at Winston Lake YMCA.

 

In February of 2022, following a routine check up with his cardiologist Kedrick was informed that he will have to undergo a second surgery. We can only imagine the trauma as well as the financial burden that this will put him in. That's why some of us are asking for everyone to come together and contribute to try and help pay for this second surgery. The first surgery was around $450,000 and insurance only covers about half. The estimate of the second surgery is looking to be $250,000.

 

As Kedrick's close friend I think it's important to mention that through this whole experience, I haven't heard Kedrick complain once. He continues to be a positive light to those around him and make the best of each situation he's put in. He hasn't asked for anything and didn't want to ask for a handout, but he agreed to let us help him out after some convincing. I'm humbly asking for your support in helping pay for this second surgery as my friend has a successful and positive life ahead of him and shouldn't be burdened by the expensive costs of a life-saving surgery.

Kedrick Flomo is a 25 year old native of Winston-Salem, NC whose D1 collegiate basketball career was cut short after heart complications resulting in a valve replacement which