Help Todd Nickens Battle Heart Failure

I am asking for help for my dad. He has struggled with heart problems for the last thirty years, his first open heart surgery being when he was thirty years old. My dad has done so much for my brother and I over the years. He has also always been willing to help anyone with anything at any time. It hurts to see him struggling with his health, and now financially due to his condition.

Over the years, my dad has had several heart attacks but never failed to stay calm for my brother and I. Once, he even sang "I Will Survive" on the way to the hospital, where it was confirmed that he was, in fact, having a heart attack. His surgeons and doctors have been amazed at his positive outlook over the years, given everything he has gone through. Before his last open heart surgery in 2011, many doctors told him they did not believe he would survive. Even after hearing that, he maintained his positive attitude and refused to believe them.

After his doctors in Michigan provided little to no hope for my dad's survival with his deteriorating condition, he ended up having to be airlifted to the Cleveland Clinic (the number one heart hospital in the U.S.). His heart function was down to 9% (normal being 50-70%). He could barely get enough energy to eat as he awaited the surgery that many said he was unlikely to survive. He had to be resuscitated twice before surgery, making survival even less likely. He made it through the surgery but had complications after, including needing resuscitation two different times by his medical team (we are forever grateful for those nurses and doctors).

Over the last eleven years, my dad has undergone numerous surgeries and medical procedures that have helped keep his condition reasonably stable (not counting the 15 ambulance trips in one eighteen-month period). However, over the past year, my dad's condition has taken a turn for the worse. His doctors at the Cleveland Clinic have determined that the only thing that could help him is a heart transplant. Unfortunately, he is not eligible for one at this point due to having too many antibodies in his blood from having had so many surgeries. Having too many antibodies would mean his body would reject any donor's heart. He is at the point now where he can no longer work and most ordinary daily tasks are challenging for him. He is still hopeful that, at some point in the future, he will be able to have a heart transplant. In the meantime, he is being kept alive by many expensive medications which are adding to the financial strain and he really needs your help!

My dad has spent the last 11 years in and out of hospitals, whether in the local ERs or trips to Cleveland for medical procedures. Until recently, he has still been able to work. However, with the progression of his disease, he is no longer able to work and needs your help. Any money donated will be used for medical expenses, prescription costs (my dad has to take an insane amount of prescription medications), travel expenses, and living expenses.

Here's how you can help.

Thank you. I really appreciate your help and I know my dad will too.

God bless you all!

Taylor Nickens