Wednesday, January 13, 2010

January Patient of the Month: Misty Lea Hernandez

For some time, Misty Lea suffered from flu-like symptoms that slowly worsened. She eventually began feeling weak, coughing up blood and experiencing swelling in her legs and feet. After a trip to the emergency room, she learned she was suffering from cardiomyopathy. Doctors have told Misty Lea a heart transplant is essential to her survival. She is currently on the transplant waiting list at the Lutheran Hospital in Ft. Wayne, IN.

Despite her health challenges, 24-year-old Misty Lea is determined to beat her illness so she can spend many more years with her young son. She looks forward to being well enough to return to college, where she was studying criminal science. But she needs your help.

A heart transplant costs approximately $775,000. And that's only the beginning. Even with health insurance, Misty Lea faces significant medical expenses. For the rest of her life, she will need follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications. The medications can cost as much as $5,000 per month--and they are as critical to her survival as the transplant itself.

After receiving the transplant, Misty Lea will be required to relocate more than 100 miles from her home to be closer to the transplant center, incurring significant expenses for travel, food and lodging.

For more information about Misty Lea or any NFT patients, visit our Web site.

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