Support for the Poiley Family

Our dear friend Scott has suddenly gone into congestive heart failure and needs our help!

 

As you know, Scott received a heart transplant about 7 years ago. His last checkup in March was "squeaky clean" as his doctor said. A few weeks ago he started feeling unwell and underwent a battery of tests. His doctor called with results last Friday, January 7th, and asked him to get to the hospital as soon as possible as he was showing signs of congestive heart failure.

 

He was admitted at Shands on Saturday morning. Further testing showed he was in aggressive vasculopothy which is a disease of the blood vessels that 50% of heart transplants get. Among other things several valves are leaking, one of his small arteries is blocked at 99%, and his ejection fraction rate (which refers to how well a heart is pumping) is at 40% well below the average/normal 60%.

 

At 4:30 this morning, he experienced a heart attack and was rushed into the cath lab. They thought they could perform a bypass, but unfortunately they realized it wouldn't fix the problem. They also couldn't place a stent in the artery and instead they found that his heart deteriorated rather quickly in less than 24 hours.

 

We all know how much work he's put into taking care of his new heart, he's always been extremely careful from always wearing a mask when flying (yes! even before this pandemic started) to eating the healthiest diet possible - though he bakes the most delicious treats for his family, he will never even take a bite!

 

Perfect tests and great care - so why? The assumption is that this is a direct consequence of COVID! He unfortunately contracted the virus back in July which they believed cause the damage. He also had to be off his rejection meds for 12 days to let the Regeneron do its work.

 

They are currently working on on stabilizing him through meds and at the same time starting the transplant process all over again. A series of tests will be required for him to pass in order to be put back on the list. At this time, it's not a matter of "IF" this will happen, but "WHEN". This process could take weeks, months or even years. If he is not fast tracked for transplant he will need a defibrillator.

 

Scott's been such a great teacher, mentor and supporter to all his students, he's their biggest fan and has always done everything he could to provide them guidance when needed. From providing feedback on project ideas to assisting kids in applying for colleges, he's always been there for them. Despite the huge risk, he's been back at the studio since August 2020, that's how dedicated he is to his Skyra Family!

 

In this time of need, I think it is important we show him and his family our support too!

 

Mary and Scott have not asked for this GoFundMe, I don't believe they would ever ask this of us.

However, I have decided to start this for them because, aside from the medical bills (which I am sure will be astronomical) Shands is about a 3 hour car away which means that they're also dealing with accommodation, meals and transportation expenses for the entire family. Though we still don't know all the details, I hope this fundraiser will help by at least relieving some of their financial burden and worries while they figure it all out.

 

Many of you have reached out to ask how you can help - I think this is the best way at the moment: there's nothing we can do to make Scott's heart better right now, but we can help ease their mind a bit, and show them how much they are all loved!

 

No donation is too small, anything and everything will help the Poileys during this time of need.

Keep them in your prayers and feel free to share with the rest of our dance community. 

 

Thank you all in advance for your support!

 

Val (Lorena's Mom)