Kelly Reilly's Second Chance at Life

Our sister Kelly has struggled with Congestive Heart Failure since 2008. She has done very well over the years until recently. In July, Kelly started experiencing major symptoms of fatigue, shortness of breath and chest pain. She was admitted into the hospital for about a week.

Since then, Kelly hasn't really recovered. On September 15th, Kelly's symptoms worsened. She went in for a checkup and the initial test results showed that Kelly's heart was failing. She was immediately admitted to the hospital and hasn't left since.

Kelly's test results continued to show significant heart failure, along with her kidney's. We were forced to begin discussions about things like heart pumps and heart transplants. Kelly's doctors determined she needed to start the assessment process for a heart transplant. She has undergone every test imaginable and has been checked from head to toe.

We learned on September 23rd, that she will need a heart transplant. This is a relief but also scary to think about what's to come. However, we are thrilled that she will be given this second chance at life.

Shortly after learning she required a transplant, she went in for a procedure to have a balloon pump put in her heart to help it beat and pump blood more efficiently. This is very restricting as she cannot move her leg while the pump is in and therefore is unable to move around. She is in ICU at Strong Hospital until she gets a heart. There is no timeline on when she will get one, we just know that she will.

My sisters and I, and her daughter Amanda are hoping to raise money to help Kelly with what we know will be astronomical expenses, both during and after this process. If you would like to donate, we would be so very appreciative and grateful.