Join Rudy Stechmann in his Battle for a New Heart
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Rudy Needs a Heart!
That statement is impactful in and of itself, but let me tell you who Rudy is and why this GoFundMe was started:
Rudy Stechmann is a 32 year old family man. He is married to Lauren and they have two beautiful, sweet girls who are 9 and 5. Lauren and Rudy met in high school and became best friends. They were married in 2011 and had their first beautiful baby girl. Not long after that Rudy experienced chest pain and went to get it checked out. He was medically cleared and then a few short months later Rudy became sick and was diagnosed with Heart Failure at the young age of 23.
Rudy did all the right things, went to his doctor appointments, took his medications regularly and was thriving as a young husband and father, while still being able to work and provide for his family. Lauren served the community as an ER nurse, loving her career with a passion unbridled by most. Life was great and they were happy.
Slowly Rudy’s health began to decline due to his heart failure. Eventually Rudy was no longer able to work and provide for his family. Rudy became a stay at home dad as they welcomed their second beautiful baby girl into the world.
His BIG heart shines through his tough armor. He is loyal, caring, honorable, funny and most importantly loving. Rudy and Lauren have opened their home and hearts to friends and family, always celebrating life. They are consistently there for others in good times and bad and never letting his diagnosis get in the way of loving others. They are the most caring and giving people I know.
Unfortunately, Rudy’s heart can no longer go on by itself, he is in stable but Critical Condition. Rudy is days away from open heart surgery to install a device to keep his heart going until a donor heart becomes available. The device he needs is called an LVAD. It will be taking over the function of his heart and circulating his blood for him. It is an extremely high-risk and expensive procedure. Because of this Lauren will have to take an UNPAID leave of absence from work to be home and take care of Rudy full time while he recovers.
While Lauren is on unpaid leave, they will still need to cover their medical expenses, health insurance, mortgage, food and other daily living costs to provide for their daughters and Rudy’s health. Rudy’s recovery will be a long road, approximately 4-6 months of full-time care by Lauren. This surgery will keep Rudy going but ULTIMATELY he will need a heart transplant so he can continue to see his beautiful daughters grow to be teenagers and young women. These measures will give him the chance to see them in dance recitals, go on their first date, attend high school prom and even get married.
Lauren and Rudy have always been the ones to help others and never asking for help themselves. That is why I wanted to create this GoFundMe. Lauren is my best friend of 15 years. They aren’t asking for help, but I know they need it. Instead I’m asking on their behalf. I have contacted Lauren’s mom and other close friends to help with this endeavor. Lauren’s mom, Leslie, will be the beneficiary and will make sure 100% of the donations go to Rudy and Lauren, and their financial needs. A donation of any amount or a share will help allow Rudy, Lauren and the girls to focus on what is most important at this time.
Love, Holly
That statement is impactful in and of itself, but let me tell you who Rudy is and why this GoFundMe was started:
Rudy Stechmann is a 32 year old family man. He is married to Lauren and they have two beautiful, sweet girls who are 9 and 5. Lauren and Rudy met in high school and became best friends. They were married in 2011 and had their first beautiful baby girl. Not long after that Rudy experienced chest pain and went to get it checked out. He was medically cleared and then a few short months later Rudy became sick and was diagnosed with Heart Failure at the young age of 23.
Rudy did all the right things, went to his doctor appointments, took his medications regularly and was thriving as a young husband and father, while still being able to work and provide for his family. Lauren served the community as an ER nurse, loving her career with a passion unbridled by most. Life was great and they were happy.
Slowly Rudy’s health began to decline due to his heart failure. Eventually Rudy was no longer able to work and provide for his family. Rudy became a stay at home dad as they welcomed their second beautiful baby girl into the world.
His BIG heart shines through his tough armor. He is loyal, caring, honorable, funny and most importantly loving. Rudy and Lauren have opened their home and hearts to friends and family, always celebrating life. They are consistently there for others in good times and bad and never letting his diagnosis get in the way of loving others. They are the most caring and giving people I know.
Unfortunately, Rudy’s heart can no longer go on by itself, he is in stable but Critical Condition. Rudy is days away from open heart surgery to install a device to keep his heart going until a donor heart becomes available. The device he needs is called an LVAD. It will be taking over the function of his heart and circulating his blood for him. It is an extremely high-risk and expensive procedure. Because of this Lauren will have to take an UNPAID leave of absence from work to be home and take care of Rudy full time while he recovers.
While Lauren is on unpaid leave, they will still need to cover their medical expenses, health insurance, mortgage, food and other daily living costs to provide for their daughters and Rudy’s health. Rudy’s recovery will be a long road, approximately 4-6 months of full-time care by Lauren. This surgery will keep Rudy going but ULTIMATELY he will need a heart transplant so he can continue to see his beautiful daughters grow to be teenagers and young women. These measures will give him the chance to see them in dance recitals, go on their first date, attend high school prom and even get married.
Lauren and Rudy have always been the ones to help others and never asking for help themselves. That is why I wanted to create this GoFundMe. Lauren is my best friend of 15 years. They aren’t asking for help, but I know they need it. Instead I’m asking on their behalf. I have contacted Lauren’s mom and other close friends to help with this endeavor. Lauren’s mom, Leslie, will be the beneficiary and will make sure 100% of the donations go to Rudy and Lauren, and their financial needs. A donation of any amount or a share will help allow Rudy, Lauren and the girls to focus on what is most important at this time.
Love, Holly
Organizer and beneficiary
Holly Haug
Organizer
Clearwater, FL
Leslie Robison
Beneficiary