The Heart of Cope

Love, it turns out, isn’t all you need—at least not when the heart can’t keep pace with the hardship of someone who is loved so well by so many.

Don Cope is at a critical crossroads with his cardiac health. He’s been struggling with issues for some time, and the situation has compounded since he returned to Chandler and his bride Lisa Cope from a job he worked for several months in Maryland. Don is considered to have end-stage heart failure and this summer was evaluated for a heart transplant at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix. The evaluations alone cost in excess of $50,000, and the insurance companies are not immediately willing to cover the expenses. While the Copes are pursuing that coverage, Don’s condition continues to deteriorate, and he has been hospitalized since September 5 to address the atrial fibrillation that is causing fluid to collect and his heart to work harder. Just this week, he’s undergone multiple procedures and currently is intubated and sedated to allow his body to rest so that he can be stabilized to face the next steps in his treatment, which still include a potential heart transplant.

Understandably, Don has been uncomfortable, concerned, and cranky in the hospital. What brings him a sense of calm is when Lisa is at his side, where she’s been around the clock. Lisa works in a public school and is fortunate to have the support of her employer and coworkers as she plans to use PTO and FMLA to see her husband through his treatments, rehabilitation, and, when prayers are answered, recovery in their home.

Lisa is steadfast in her role as Don’s advocate, caregiver, companion, and soul mate. Time, however, may bring challenges. As she’s not able to attend her professional duties, she worries that within six weeks, she will be without her income and responsible for paying for the health insurance premiums that she and Don cannot allow to lapse.

The Copes first and foremost need prayers. But, like love, prayers can only go so far. If you’re able to offer financial support big or small, you will play an important part in the next chapter of their story.

If you’re interested in following Don Cope’s story, you may request to join Lisa’s Facebook group, The Heart of Cope, where she is keeping friends and family up to date.