Transplant Type - Heart

Martin suffered his first heart attack in 1991 and has been diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Both of his parents passed away in their 60s from the same illness. In 1998, Martin underwent triple bypass surgery, but that didn't eliminate his health problems. Doctors have told him a heart transplant is critical to his survival.

This proud Vietnam veteran has always been a hard worker and hates that his disease prevents him from providing for his family. He looks forward to the transplant that will give him the energy to go back to work and enjoy his favorite activities of taking long walks and attending classic car shows and swap meets. He dreams of one day restoring a classic '39 Chevrolet. Martin and his wife, Jodi, have one grown son, who is engaged to be married soon, and also provide a loving home to three foster children. More than anything, he wants to spend many more years with Jodi helping others in need. But right now, he needs your help.

A heart transplant costs approximately $775,000. And that's only the beginning. Even with insurance, Martin 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.

Although he used to have a business providing housing and care to the developmentally disabled, he can no longer work because of his declining health, adding to his financial strain. Because he lives 100 miles from the transplant center, he incurs substantial travel expenses for evaluations and doctors' visits.

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

Thank you for your generosity!

Patient Health Institute: UCLA Medical Center