Saving Our Dad's Heart & Easing Medical Expenses

In February 2023, our dad went to the doctor because he had been having heart palpitations. The doctors conducted both an echocardiogram and a cat scan. The results revealed a significant aneurysm measuring 5cm on his heart, a size that needed immediate surgery. Further scans revealed that the aneurysm was located at the root of his aortic valve, which is a very rare placement that called for a highly specialized procedure called the “David’s procedure” which is an aortic root replacement. Upon receiving the diagnosis, the urgency of the situation became very clear to our family. The doctors emphasized that our father's surgery needed to take place no later than July to avoid the possibility of the aneurysm rupturing—a potentially fatal outcome.

We knew the journey of dealing with insurance would be an uphill battle but we didn't want to settle for just any doctor under his current insurance. The heart surgeon through his insurance had only done this surgery a few times and that didn't make us feel great about it at all. While researching doctors we kept seeing a doctor show up at Keck Medical Hospital of USC who specializes in the David Procedure. Our dad and stepmom met with the doctor at USC and we all felt so relieved after talking to him and hearing that he has done the procedure over 500 times.

Our dad's insurance unfortunately did not cover the surgery at USC so we had to request for it to be approved by his current insurance. The request was denied 3 different times. We knew at that point we didn't have a chance unless we switched insurance providers. My stepmom met with an insurance broker and they quickly signed my dad up for a whole new insurance which is why we are here today asking for help. The new insurance plan cost over $11,000 and the last thing we want is for our dad and step-mom to be stressed over the cost of this while dealing with a huge surgery and recovery. Our dad would kill us if he knew we were doing this but we know how loved he is by everyone that knows him and we want to help him during this extremely hard time.

If you know our dad, you know that he is our rock and our best friend. We are the ultimate 'daddy's girls' for life! He walked us through really hard times throughout our life and he always stayed strong for us even though life was hard on him too. He is so selfless, he's such a giver, he's hilarious and he will tell you things exactly how they are and we love that about him. We love him beyond words and we just want him to be ok. To know him is to love him.

With that being said, my dad's surgery was booked immediately after switching insurance providers. He will be getting open heart surgery on Friday, July 21st. It's going to be a long surgery and an even longer recovery. We know that giving is not something everyone can do. But more than giving money, we just ask for your prayers over him.

Specific Prayers:

• A successful and smooth surgery.

• For the doctor to be able to save his valve.

• For peace over his mind and body.

• For healing and a steady recovery with no complications.

• Pray for comfort and strength

This has been a rough past few months for our family. But we know that God is in control of our dad's life. God has been and will continue to be with our family every step of the way. We can't thank you all enough for taking the time to read this. Our dad is truly blessed to have so many people who know and love him!

Thank you!