Transplant Type - Heart

We are so excited to report that Ricardo received his lifesaving heart transplant in February 2010. Best wishes to Ricky during his recovery process!

In 2007, Ricardo was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, caused by medication he received as a child during chemotherapy treatments for leukemia. In 2005, doctors implanted a pacemaker to help regulate his heart. Although the pacemaker initially helped, doctors soon realized Ricardo needed a heart transplant to survive. He was on the transplant waiting list for more than a year.

In 2008, Ricardo underwent surgery to have a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) implanted, which acted as a mechanical heart while he waited on his lifesaving transplant. At home, Ricardo was constantly connected to a unit that kept the LVAD operating. When he left the house, he traveled with very heavy batteries so the LVAD could continually run.

Despite these challenges, Ricardo remained positive and thankful for the steadfast support of his family. His wife, Jennie; his mother, Norma; and his sister, Veronica, have never given up on his health and well being. Ricardo dreams of being able to pick up his 2-year-old son, Aries, and play with him the way he used to. He looks forward to once again traveling with Jennie and Aries, working on cars, driving, swimming and simply living life to the fullest. But he needs your help.

A heart transplant costs approximately $775,000. And that's only the beginning. Even with health coverage, Ricardo 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.

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

Thank you for your generosity!

Patient Health Institute: Tufts Medical Center