Help the Elster's

On the morning of August 20, our family suffered a heart-wrenching event. Our dad, Mike Elster, was rushed to the hospital by ambulance. He had a massive heart attack, and his main artery was 100% blocked (also called Widow Maker). He was rushed to the Cath lab and the doctors immediately put a stent and a balloon pump in his heart. He also had a Swan-Ganz directly inserted in the valve of the heart that was used to monitor the function and heart flow. His heart was only functioning at 20% so the doctors were highly distressed about the overall damage to his heart. He stayed at Cayuga Medical Center for 4 days in the Cardiac ICU department.

Our Dad has a long recovery road ahead of him and will be out of work for an unknown period. In addition to regular household bills, our parents now have the added stress of hospital bills and future medical bills for his continued care. He will have many costly lifetime medications as well as cardiac rehab for 18 weeks.

Everyone that knows our Dad, knows he has an active part in our community and has a caring heart. He has participated in many bowling and golf leagues, was a volunteer for the Groton Fire Department for 20+ years, previous Commander of the Sons of American Legion in Groton for 10+ years, and was active in the Tri-County Horseshoe Club. Our dad has always helped anyone in need, no matter what the task may be.

Stress is the last thing our family needs right now. Any financial assistance you can provide to help ease their burden would greatly be appreciated. For those who keep asking how they can help, this is the most direct way to help my parents. Please contact me directly if you wish to contribute differently. (607-793-8233, Text Preferred)

Special thank you to everyone at the Groton Fire Department who took quick action and saved our Dad's life. Also, a special thank you to the staff at CMC in the Cardiac ICU and Cath Lab. You were all amazing and caring. We can not thank you enough! Thank you all for the kind thoughts and keeping us in your prayers. ~ Taryn, Brooke and Alysse