I know most of you have been reading our blog to follow the adoption process of Julia and Aaron, to watch how they have thrived and grown here at home, and to again, follow the story that is unfolding as we are in the adoption process again with Marina! But today I am taking a break from my usual updates about our family, our kids, and our adoption process (which is going fairly smoothly at this point). Today I am asking for prayers for a church friend of ours and for any financial assistance you feel you can give to help.......
His name is Greg Brown and he is in need of an emergency heart transplant. Here is a picture of Greg with his wife Tiffany and a little bit of history:
In 2002, Greg came down with a virus that attacked his heart. He was diagnosed with viral cardiomyopathy in January of 2003. By 2009, Greg’s heart would no longer function well enough to support any activity. Though Greg vowed that his illness would not define him, his failing health forced him to stop working in October of 2006. Greg continued to fight the effects of the disease by staying active in the lives of his children and friends. However, in 2009 Greg’s heart would no longer function well enough to support any activity. Greg was very fortunate to be a qualified candidate for a left ventricular assist device (L-VAD). The surgery and device gave Greg an additional two years of life that he might not have otherwise had. Unfortunately that device is no longer functioning properly and Greg now needs a heart transplant to survive. He is currently on the waiting list for a heart transplant at University of Virginia Hospital.
First and foremost, we ask that you all keep Greg, Tiffany, and their children in your prayers during this trying time for them. We also want to give anyone who feels led to help the Brown family financially to be aware of his need and to be given the opportunity to donate here. He is raising money required by the transplant program prior to having a heart transplant. This money, we've been told, is necessary to ensure the patient has the funds to cover the cost of the anti-rejection and other drugs after the transplant. He needs to raise this money to quickly qualify to be on the list. Please prayerfully consider donating to help this family. Thank you so much.