Transplant Type - Heart

When he was just 15 years old, Troy was diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse, meaning the valve separating the upper and lower chambers of his heart was not closing properly. Even with this condition, he had no real issues until he was in his late 20s. In 2000, doctors implanted an artificial mitral valve, but it had to be replaced in 2006, along with an aortic valve.

He now suffers from Marfan's syndrome, a genetic disorder affecting his heart's connective tissue. His brother battled the same illness and required a heart transplant 15 years ago. Troy has also been diagnosed with congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy and cardiomegaly. Doctors say a heart transplant is critical to his survival.

Troy is participating in a clinical study and was the first person to receive a total artificial heart in his region of the country. He is only the second person in the United States to go home with the device implanted. Although his artificial heart is helping him regain his strength, it requires him to be with someone at all times, in case the device malfunctions. His new heart does not allow him to live a normal life and forces him to rely on others for every heartbeat.

Troy's wife of more than 20 years, Darrla, and their two children worry about his health. He is anxious to live without the daily stress of his heart problems. Despite his trials, he wants to make a difference in others' lives, and he hopes his story will bring comfort to others patients while he is participating in this study. Troy's passion is preaching, and more than anything, he would love to preach full time again. But he needs your help.

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

A natural transplant is the best option for long-term success, and when Troy receives his transplant he will possibly need to relocate closer to his transplant center. His condition has prevented him from working for more than a year, adding to his financial strain.

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

Thank you for your generosity!

Patient Health Institute: Integris Nazih Zuhdi Transplant Institute