Hello family and friends. My husband Nick is fighting a battle no man should have to fight at just 36-years-old. A few weeks ago, during a routine exam, a small abnormality was noted which led to the discovery of a potentially fatal heart condition if untreated, severe aortic valve regurgitation. He now must have open heart surgery for a valve replacement. After many tests and medical procedures, the doctors have determined that we have little optimal wait time. It was by the grace of God that we discovered this. He has gone from experiencing no symptoms to needing surgery within weeks.
We are scheduled to see the surgeon in a week. The surgery should follow shortly after. His life, my life, and the children’s lives are on pause while we gather ourselves to fight this battle together. We are blessed to have family and friends, but due to Covid-19 we will not be able to have in-house-support. I will be at home during the day, only leaving for child transportation, nursing classes and clinicals.
Shortly after Nick and I met 4 years ago, we were discussing personal, financial, and health goals. We discussed our goals as a family. One of our big goals was for me to get into and graduate from nursing school. We have both been working hard for the past year to get me through nursing school. I have been a full-time nursing student and full-time employee and he has been working 6-7 days a week. We have almost achieved one of our big goals with only 2 more semesters. Nick is a family man- a man that stepped in to be a father to my three children, supports my dream to be a great nurse, works as much as his body will allow, helps me with cooking and house chores, and supports us all emotionally. We want to support him and allow him to focus on rest and recovery and not on finances.
Open heart surgery puts an enormous stress on the body and the recovery is long and painful. He will be out of work for at least 3 months. I have started this GoFundMe account to assist us in covering the required fees prior to surgery, cost of the excessive imaging and tests, and surviving those 3 months without me having to withdraw from the nursing program so close to the end. This will enable us to concentrate on Nick’s recovery and fighting this horrible diagnosis. I have faith in our wonderful doctor’s and nurse’s and I know he is a fighter.
I have sat here trying to put words to all the emotions coming to my mind: sadness, nervousness, fear and underneath all of that, hope and faith. What we are currently experiencing comes with immense fear and worry but we put our faith in God that he has a plan for us after all this has passed. I humbly ask that you share this page with your family and friends and, if possible, giving (any amount will help). Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!
