Lynn Diehl's Medical Relief Fund

Hello, my name is Lynn Diehl, and I have Marfan Syndrome. Marfan is a rare (1 in 5,000) genetic disorder affecting connective tissue, which provides support for the body and organs. It damages the blood vessels, heart, eyes, skin, lungs, and the bones of the hips, spine, feet, and rib cage. The most serious of these complications is aortic dissection, when the walls of the aorta tear apart (dissect), causing blood to leak into the chest cavity, which is often fatal.

In 2017, I experienced congestive heart failure from a spontaneously ruptured Mitral valve and damaged Tricuspid valve. Due to my complicated anatomy, it took a month for a medical team skilled enough to accept my case. I was saved by the doctors at Duke Medical University, who performed my first open-heart surgery just days before I would have died. Just four years later, in August 2021, I experienced a complete Aortic Dissection (upper and lower). A team of 7 surgeons at Trident Regional Medical Center performed an emergency 16-hour miracle open-heart surgery that saved my life a second time. The lead Cardiothoracic surgeon told my family she didn't understand how I survived and that I "should be with Jesus."

The combined costs of both surgeries totaled over $1.5 million. Even after insurance payments, our family is left with over $100,000 in medical debt and limited income due to long recovery periods and my continued declining condition.

Complications from the 2021 surgery have caused me to develop a ventral hernia, the entire length of my abdomen. I will undergo surgery in early January 2023 to repair it, followed by another lengthy recovery. I will also require two additional open-heart surgeries to revise and complete my aortic dissection repair in the next few years. My prognosis is less than favorable, and if I survive, I will likely become disabled.

Though the outlook is bleak, I refuse to give up. I will do my best to support my family as long as possible. That is why, with the deepest humility, I request help to alleviate some of the financial burdens my illnesses have caused and prepare for my subsequent surgeries. Asking for help is extremely hard, but from the deepest parts of my "refurbished" heart, I know it's what's best. Our family thanks you and sincerely appreciates your support.