Help Rita recover from her heart transplant!

My name is Barbara and I am organizing this fund raiser for a dear friend and incredible person, Rita Sexton. This is her story in her own words:

On Friday morning, July 22nd, I went to the ER due to a rapid heart rate, dizzy spells and passing out. I was stabilized and transferred to Saint Lukes Hospital where, after days of testing, I was diagnosed with Giant Cell Myocardias, an extremely rare and usually deadly heart condition. My only option would be a transplant as my heart was only operating at 5% at that point. Prior to becoming sick, I had just started a new position and my insurance had not started so I was between coverage when this happened. The doctors told me and my partner Sanj that we would need $250,000 to secure a heart since I had no coverage! Obviously that is not a small amount, and we were genuinely fearful about my life expectancy at that point. Thankfully due to some behind the scenes miracles and blessings from a donor who was a match, I was able to receive a heart without the deposit. My transplant took place on July 29th and things did not go as planned. I had several complications during my surgery including a rather large blood clot close to my heart. After surgery they kept me sedated in ICU for almost a week. Ultimately I was in the hospital and in patient rehab for almost two whole months.

As you can imagine all of this is not cheap. Now with medical bills coming in, along with the cost of my prescriptions, follow-up doctors appointments, and household bills, Sanj and I are now struggling financially. It's become increasingly hard to keep our heads above water and be able to afford my medication that is needed to keep me alive.

This whole experience has been incredibly humbling and as hard as it is to ask for help, Sanj and I would be greatful and appreciate anything that you are able to donate.

Thank you, Rita