Rick and Bridget defray medical cost

Hi this is Kristen Connaroe, Bridget Hammars daughter in law, I am speaking for many many of her loved ones including her dozens of close friends and co-workers!

We have gotten many requests to start a fundraiser for her and Rick and our family as we travel to and from Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh.

A run-down of what happened: Wednesday June 15th Bridget was rushed to Hamot with severe symptoms of shortness of breathe and back pains, following days of a cold. She ended up coding in the Cath Lab and they then decided to place a pump as her heart was failing. They then transfered her to Pittsburgh by Helicopter that morning. They then decided to rush her back and get the Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) which while placing that she coded once more they then decided to add one more form of life support in the EMCO machine. This was all necessary to keep her stable and alive. As of Thursday she has been off the Ventilator and able to speak, she is aware of everything going on she is very shocked amd scared but so thankful for all the outpouring of love and prayers. As of Monday night we have been informed her only chance of survival is getting a heart transplant!! Which is so frightening but we are pleased to find out she is qualified and is ON THE LIST!! So now we take it minute by minute. Pray hard and hope for the best but as the doctors say prepare foe the worst.

With this procedure comes a long hospital visit and lots of additional costs, over and above her insurance coverage. Rick has been quoted 10s of thousands of dollars for this. I will be updating if anything comes up. Right now she is stable and we are so thankful!!!

We love you Bridget! You are the heart of our family!