Transplant Type - Heart

In 1997, when J.D. was only 40 years old, he suffered a massive heart attack. He required quadruple bypass surgery and was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Eighty percent of his heart was destroyed and his health began to rapidly decline. Doctors say a heart transplant is his only hope for a second chance at life, and J.D. is on the transplant waiting list at the University of Minnesota Medical Center.

Before his heart attack, J.D. worked as an architect and loved his job. He was very active and enjoyed the outdoors. J.D, his wife, Julie, and their three children saw their lives change dramatically after his diagnosis. His children don't even remember a time before their father was sick. Despite their struggles, the MacRae family is able to find joy in the small things and enjoy their time together.

J.D. is thankful for the strong support of his loved ones during his lengthy illness. Along with his family, he has high hopes for the future. He looks forward to the lifesaving transplant that will give him a second chance.

But first, he needs your help.

A heart transplant costs approximately $650,000. And that's only the beginning. Even with health insurance, J.D. will face significant medical expenses. For the rest of his life, he will need follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications. The cost of post-transplant medications can range from $2,000 to $5,000 per month--and they are as critical to his survival as the transplant itself. It is estimated that in the short term, J.D. needs at least $200,000 just to cover his medical expenses.

Please help! Your gift to the NFT Minnesota Heart Fund will enable us to assist J.D. with his transplant expenses. To make a secure online donation, please click on the link beneath J.D.'s photo. If you prefer to mail your gift, please send it to NFT Minnesota Heart Fund, 5350 Poplar Ave., Suite 430, Memphis, TN 38119. Please be sure to write "in honor of J.D. MacRae" in the memo line.

Thank you for your generosity!

Patient Health Institute: University of Minnesota Medical Center

Read More About J.D. on CaringBridge (Note: A donation through the CaringBridge site is in support of CaringBridge, not J.D.)