Oberholtzer Family

My son in-law Zach who is just 30 years old, was recently admitted to the hospital for having consistent low flow alarms on his LVAD. After proper hydration (thinking he was just dehydrated) X-rays, echos, changing different medications, bloodwork and ultimately more testing, they determined that his LVAD has moved (due to his heart decreasing in size over time, since it was initially placed.) overall the lvad is doing the work for the heart it is supposed to, but makes it more difficult with these alarms because now he has been having something called “suction events” due to the placement of the vad right next to his heart wall. Although his heart size has decreased, the overall function of his heart hasn’t improved and we have moved forward with getting him on the transplant list. Due to these low flow alarms they prefer to have Zach stay in the hospital until his transplant so they can keep a closer eye on him. This has put stress on the family as Zach has been out of work and will continue to be until he is able to return in the future. Lakan is continuing to work while visiting Zach at Hershey, taking care of the kids, and other added home and financial stress.

Zach is currently a status 3 on the heart transplant list. I am trying to help Zach and Lakan so they don’t have this added financial burden (that Zach does not need right now with everything he is going through). Zach is a 6 yr. veteran, and has served for our country, so I don’t know any other family that’s deserves this support & help during this hardship. Thank you in advance for your support! All contributions will be used to help them with monthly financial expenses, and the twins daycare & preschool expenses.