A Crisis Hidden Inside a Crisis
What began as an emergency room visit for acute gallbladder issues quickly revealed a much larger, life-threatening crisis. While running necessary pre-surgery tests, doctors discovered that the heart valve he had replaced 16 years ago has begun to leak and fail.
Because these valves are only designed to last a maximum of 15 years, his heart is currently under catastrophic strain. The medical team determined that his heart was too weak to withstand gallbladder surgery, forcing an emergency medical transfer from our local emergency room to specialized facilities in Kyle, and ultimately Austin.
Life on Oxygen — Completely Housebound
His cardiac function is so severely compromised that walking for less than a single minute without supplemental oxygen causes his blood oxygen levels to plummet dangerously to 80%. A drop this severe means his heart and vital organs are being starved of oxygen upon the slightest physical exertion.
Because of this, he is entirely dependent on continuous medical oxygen, completely housebound, and unable to work to support his family. The doctors have made it clear — this life-saving heart surgery cannot wait.
A Path Forward
Thanks to the incredible skill of his care team, they were able to safely perform the gallbladder surgery first to remove the immediate infection. Now, they are rapidly mapping out the plan for his emergency heart valve replacement.
While he cannot work, his family is doing everything they can to hold things together. Every plate sold, every dollar donated goes directly toward reducing the financial weight on a family already carrying so much.
80%
Blood oxygen on minimal exertion
16 yrs
Since his last valve replacement
0 min
He can walk without oxygen
