Massive Heart Attack While Overseas

On Friday, May 19th, three days before returning home to Colorado, Scott suffered a massive heart attack. He and his wife, Ursula, were on a long planned trip to Germany to visit friends and family. Scott underwent bypass surgery at the hospital in Augsburg, Germany but he is still in extremely critical condition.

ABOUT SCOTT & URSULA

Scott Roller and Dr. Ursula Eckert-Peterson, D.V.M. live in Loveland, Colorado where Doc Ursula owns Coppergate Animal Clinic.  Scott works as a technician for Denver Water.  Scott is also a pilot and has a great love for aviation.  For many years he was a Flight Engineer on DC-8s and Boeing 747s for several international airlines, including Olympic Airlines, Cargolux Airlines, and Tower Air.  Over the years, Dr. Ursula has been active in many community endeavors, such as the Larimer Humane Society, and the Puppies Behind Bars program which honors and assists wounded veterans, to name a couple.  In October, Doctor Ursula was awarded Veterinarian of the Year for the state of Colorado by Colorado Veterinary Medical Association.  Despite serious health struggles with Lupus, Doctor Ursula continues to operate Coppergate Animal Clinic on a part time basis.

Those who know Scott and Ursula know what kind, caring people they are.  They always go out of their way to help others, whether it is a joke to lift your spirits, an emergency raccoon rescue, or helping a neighbor wash everything in their house after a fire; they're the kind of people who can't help giving back.  It doesn't matter how big or small the problem, whether you have two legs or four, feathers, fur, or skin, they are both ready to help anyone in need even when they themselves are suffering.  They have lived a life of generosity toward their friends, neighbors, animals, and community.

FUNDRAISING GOAL

It was difficult to know what amount to set for the fundraising goal. It isn't known yet how long Scott will be in the hospital in Germany, or if he will even survive. The medical bills, over and above what his health insurance will cover, will most likely be huge. Once Scott's sick leave runs out, there will be no income from his job at Denver Water, which was their main source of income.

Unfortunately Scott's heart attack is just one more hardship added to many that Scott and Ursula have endured over the past few years, the greatest of which is Ursula's deteriorating health. This has made it very difficult for her to continue operating the clinic, but her love of animals and her clients keeps her practicing a few hours a day, even through difficult times. She says it is what keeps her going, even though most of the time she doesn't break even financially.

Besides medical bills, they will need money to pay their mortgage, household bills, and the operating costs at the veterinary clinic which can't be covered with part time relief veterinarians. It is our hope that enough funds can be raised to keep Scott and Ursula from losing their home and Coppergate Animal Clinic. Without help, they stand to lose everything.

Thank you in advance for any help you can give. Prayers and warm thoughts are also greatly appreciated!