By writer to www.ellwoodcityledger.com
A nonprofit group is internet hosting a fundraiser to help a Cranberry Township man who acquired a transplanted coronary heart throughout the novel coronavirus disaster.
CRANBERRY TWP. – A nonprofit group is internet hosting a fundraiser to help a neighborhood man who acquired a transplanted coronary heart throughout the novel coronavirus disaster.
Mike Crawford had surgical procedure April 2 and stays hospitalized in isolation.
In 2018, he realized his coronary heart was performing at 12 p.c and docs informed him a transplant was essential to survival.
Crawford and his companion of greater than 20 years, Tina Gelesky, waited for the decision to say a coronary heart was obtainable, however didn’t count on it might come in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
For security precautions, most hospitals closed to guests, and Crawford’s household has not been capable of be with him to supply assist and encouragement.
The typical coronary heart transplant prices greater than $1 million, a big monetary problem for many, even with insurance coverage, in keeping with the Nationwide Basis for Transplants, a nonprofit group that helps sufferers elevate funds to pay for transplant-related bills.
For the remainder of his life, Crawford will want follow-up care and anti-rejection medicines. Declining well being prevents him from working.
The household turned to NFT for help with a few of the monetary prices, mentioned Claire Prince, vp of affected person providers.
Usually, the group depends on occasions to boost funds, however social-distancing mandates have cancelled or postponed such actions, she mentioned. As a substitute, NFT works on elevating funds on-line.
These wishing to make a tax-deductible donation in honor of Crawford can mail a contribution to the NFT Pennsylvania Transplant Fund, 5350 Poplar Ave., Suite 850, Memphis, TN 38119.
Donors are requested to jot down “in honor of Mike Crawford” on the memo line. Safe donations additionally may be made on-line at www.transplants.org. Donors ought to click on on “Discover a Affected person” to find Crawford.
