Joe's Story
In 2008, Joe broke his ankle, an injury requiring pins to be inserted during surgery. At a pre-operation medical appointment, his doctor reviewed the routine EKG and asked him when he had suffered a heart attack. Joe was shocked to hear this question because he didn't know he had experienced a heart attack. After seeing a cardiologist and undergoing multiple tests, Joe was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, which afflicted his father, grandparents and multiple aunts. In 2010, Joe suffered another heart attack, and doctors implanted a defibrillator to assist his heart while he awaits his transplant. Doctors said a heart transplant was essential to his survival. Joe had to stop working because of his declining health, which has been a difficult transition for someone who has always been an extremely hard worker. He is a giver, someone who always goes out of his way to assist others, so it is hard for him to be forced to rely on others for help. Despite these challenges, he is forever grateful for the love and support of Evangeline, his wife of nearly 40 years, their two children, family and friends. His three grandchildren mean the world to him, and he looks forward to having the energy to spend more time with them. Joe is anxious to resume his active life of working, hiking and riding horses, but more than anything, he wants to spend many more years creating memories with his family. But he needs your help. A heart transplant costs nearly $1 million. And that's only the beginning. Even with health insurance, he faces significant expenses related to the surgery. For the rest of his life, Joe will need follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications. His post-transplant medications are very costly, and they are as critical to his survival as the transplant itself.
The Rosales family teamed up with the National Foundation for Transplants to raise money for Joe's medical expenses. NFT is a wonderful organization that created an account for Joe's charitable contributions, pays medical bills, provides fundraising ideas and spreads awareness about organ donations and transplants. They help numerous families across with nation. Visit their site or the NFT page on this site for more information.
On March 24, 2012 Joe Received his Heart Transplant and a year later he is recovering well and resuming normal activities. While Joe will not be able to resume work he has taken to his hobbies of working with is horses as much as he can and leather work. This site is set up to Share his story, Notify of Fundraising events, sell his leather work and spread the word about NFT and organ donation.
Thank you for reading and if you would like to make a charitable donation please visist Joe's NFT page. .