Support Scott Gefroh's Heart Surgery

My name is Dan Bullinger and my mom, Kathy, and I are establishing this GofundMe to ask for your support of my uncle, Scott Gefroh, who is scheduled for a specialized cardiac ablation at Mayo Clinic on Oct. 4th, 2023.

For those who know Scott, you know he has been a dedicated member of the community - particularly as an educator and basketball coach. He taught grades 6-9 Social Studies at Center Public Schools and Hughes/Horizon Middle School for a total of 35 years. Prior to his heart complications, he was an avid runner - from ultramarathons to local 5Ks. Scott is also a volunteer at the Heaven’s Helpers Soup Cafe, a friend, an uncle, a brother, a son, a husband, a father, and a soon-to-be grandfather.

Scott has spent the last twenty years managing a very serious cardiac condition - the result of being born with a defective heart valve. This has included four open heart surgeries, valve replacement surgeries, cardiac stent placements, treatment of a heart infection known as endocarditis, and reconstructive surgery of the heart due to two aortic aneurysms. To our family - Scott is known as our “Iron Man.” Scott’s strength comes from not only surviving and enduring these years of medical uncertainty, but his unending positivity in the face of adversity. Between his goofy sense of humor, can-do attitude, and deep commitment to his friends and family - Scott continues to be our light.

Most recently, Scott has had to treat atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. Currently, his heart is struggling to stay in sinus rhythm which has required multiple cardioversion procedures. These procedures have helped to move the heart back to regular rhythm. Unfortunately, with Scott’s history, his heart has not maintained sinus rhythm which has led to this next step. Cardiac ablation is a common procedure, yet for Scott with his complex heart history, specialists at Mayo Clinic are required.

With the long history of all the medical needs that Scott has faced and despite being insured, the financial burden has been extreme and only keeps rising. Scott spent this summer in and out of the hospital both in Bismarck and at Mayo Clinic along with many additional clinic and doctor appointments. This upcoming surgery will only add to his medical costs. Your financial support would greatly help lighten the ongoing burden for Scott and his wife, Jean.

Dollars raised here will be sent directly to Scott and Jean’s bank account through GoFundMe and will be used for out of pocket medical expenses related to his recent hospital stays as well as this next surgery. It will also help defray costs of travel and hotel accommodations. Anything that you wish to give will be very much appreciated and we thank you in advance for your support.