Glenn’s New Heart
Hello, my name is Janice and I have been happily married to my husband Glenn for 25 years. We had six children between us; our son, Johnathan, passed away in 2019.
In 2016, Glenn was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. He still managed to work, pray, and hunt (his favorite pastime). However, his heart functioning capacity went from 27% to 15% and he experienced multiple heart surgeries to fix valves, a defibrillator, etc. Despite this, his heart health continued to decline.
On July 4, 2020, Glenn was diagnosed with COVID and our lives changed tremendously. With his pre-existing heart condition, COVID was quite frightening. Thanks to God, he made it through. However, after healing from COVID (a 2-month process) his heart situation had gotten even worse, so they referred him to the transplant program at Ochsner’s Medical Center in New Orleans, LA (65 miles from where we live).
Naturally, the medical expenses were escalating quickly, so Glenn attempted to go back to work. He failed to properly perform his duties with a lowered ability to breathe so he had to return home. With careful consideration, after 42 years of working and being a union shop steward, Glenn made the decision to retire a few years prematurely.
The great news is that we were finally approved for the heart transplant and Glenn received his new heart Saturday, July 24, 2021. In less than 2 weeks, we will be required to live in the medical housing apartment complex because we live more than 40 minutes away from the hospital.
The bad news is that when Glenn retired, he had to go on disability but did not qualify for Medicare or Medicaid. His income has also dropped by 50%. Our additional expenses are as follows:
· $607 per paycheck for adding Glenn on to my insurance
· $2000 for additional emergency room visits ($200 for each visit; about 10 times prior to admittance for the heart transplant surgery)
· $700 for 14 cardiologist visits at $50 each
· $3000 in housing expenses in New Orleans for 3-4 months (insurance will not pay)
· Out of pocket prescription expenses
All these things are needed in addition to our daily/monthly housing/living expenses we already have that will not stop. If Glenn’s body does not reject the heart, he should recover well and may even be able to go back to work eventually. We are working people and don’t generally seek financial assistance, but this situation is a bit overwhelming. We just need a little help until my hubby gets back on his feet. Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated! Thank you so much.