Transplant Type - Heart

We are thrilled to report that John received his heart transplant in June 2010 and is recovering well!

In 1997, John began experiencing an accelerated heartbeat and was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy after a series of tests. Sadly, John is very familiar with the effects cardiomyopathy can have on one's life. His mother and sister died from the disease when they were both just 35 years old, and his sister Linda underwent a heart transplant when she 36. Doctors told John a heart transplant was critical to his survival, and he was added to the transplant waiting list at the Medical University of South Carolina in February 2010.

Although he tires easily, John is thankful he can still work and go fishing, one of his favorite activities. He looks forward to having the energy to help his wife, best friend and love of his life, Susan, do things around the house and yard. John is also anxious to resume daddy-daughter dates with his daughter, Deanne, who recently graduated from college and became a teacher, and work on car rebuilding projects with his son, John. Despite his health challenges, this U.S. Navy veteran is optimistic and has a way of making others laugh. He relies on the support of his family, friends and strong faith to get him through the difficult times. More than anything, he wants to spend many more years with Susan, Deanne and John. But he needs your help.

A heart transplant costs approximately $750,000. And that's only the beginning. John faces significant medical expenses related to his transplant. 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.

John had to temporarily relocate more than 100 miles from his home to Charleston to be closer to the transplant center during recovery, incurring substantial expenses for travel, food and lodging.

You can help.
To make a donation to NFT in honor of John, click the link below his photo. If you'd prefer to send your gift by mail, please send it to the NFT South Carolina Heart Fund, 5350 Poplar Avenue, Suite 430, Memphis, TN 38119. Please be sure to write "in honor of John Bafford" on the memo line.

Thank you for your generosity!

Patient Health Institute: Medical University of South Carolina