Please Help Scott's Heart Have a New Beat

Hi, my name is Lisa Gates and my brother Scott Gates needs a little money rhythm to match the new beat of his heart.

On October 12, Scott went to the emergency room on San Juan Island, WA because he was feeling off. He had a hard time catching a breath. He couldn't sleep because he felt like he wouldn't wake up if he did.

Exhausted and scared, he got into his truck and drove to the emergency room at Peace Health and while they were assessing him, his heart stopped. After six seconds the docs brought him back to life and flew him to Bellingham, WA to St. Joseph's Peace Health Hospital where his heart stopped again. And again, the docs brought him back to life.

The diagnosis: Atrial flutter with potential ventricular fibrillation.

The cure: A pacemaker/defibrillator.

Without it, Scott's heart rate fluctuated between 40 bpm and 160 bpm. In other words, he was a short timer.

Tasting hospital food for the first time :-)

After receiving his pacemaker/defibrillator, Scott's now on eight different drugs, a tough pill to swallow for a guy who some call "Mr. Natural." But he's home in Friday Harbor, walking, experiencing newfound energy and breath, and gratefully looking forward to going back to his work as a carpenter...which is a few months away.

Financially, this would be a cake walk for someone with insurance, someone with means. But Scott has always been an "off the grid" kinda guy and at 69, believe it or not, doesn't qualify for Social Security or Medicare. He's applied for Medicaid and SSI, which he will likely qualify for, but he's been told it will take 6 months to a year before it all kicks in.

Some of Scott's woodworking creativity.

With all that in mind, that's why I'm raising funds for him. Scott needs support for everyday life-- doctor bills, drugs, rent, food, gas, phone -- until Medicaid and SSI make their determinations, and he is able to fully return to his work as a carpenter.

Please donate and show your love for Scott. Every bit matters.

Thank you!

Lisa Gates

Ashland, OR