Hey everyone,

For those who don’t know me, my name is Anthony and I’m 30 years old. Back in November of 2021, I was diagnosed with a rhino-type virus which was contracted from a common cold. Where the virus most likely left my system within 72 hours, the damage it has left me with has landed me in Robert Wood Johnson Heart Transplant Center.

The virus attacked my heart, causing its function to plummet. The valves have failed, resulting in my lungs overflowing with blood, essentially drowning me from the inside out. After waking up from collapsing in ICU I began heart failure treatments.

The medicine has caused horrible side effects, including depression, hair loss, extreme nausea and puking, weight loss and the list goes on.

As if this wasn’t enough, a follow up procedure showed my heart ejection fraction rate has depreciated to 17%. (Dangerously low is 35%) now putting me amongst a small percentage of those having to live day to day, at what is known as at risk for cardiac death.

My insurance is drained, half the medicines are not covered, I owe hundreds of thousands in medical bills, not to mention, a life vest, which keeps me alive if the heart is to suddenly stop, has a monthly cost of 3600 a month.

The medical Team at RWJ has been amazing and super helpful, but unfortunately as nice as a transplant specialist team is, doesn’t change the fact that I’m 30 years old, extremely healthy, athlete, is looking at a timeline, all as a result of a common cold.

Disability and financial help from our wonderful government, has been an uphill battle on its own so at this point I’m eternally grateful for any help I can get.

I have an incredible support system, between my family and friends, my coaches and above all my brothers.

Lastly, the same day I found out about my heart, I found out my best friend, my brother, has stage 4 cancer.

A percentage of my money will be donated to him and his children.

This has been the most insane emotional roller coaster, and knowing I’m not alone makes it even the slightest amount easier. Thank you again for all your help.