Kevin Merry (46), Albertonian of 20 years, is in desperate need of a new heart

Kevin Merry (46), Albertonian of 20 years, is in desperate need of a new heart.

He has been in ICU at the Netcare Union Hospital since December 24 and his family is trying their best to keep him in private care so that he can get stronger for a much-needed heart transplant, but Kevin’s medical bills are piling up.

Everything changed overnight.

Kevin suffered a major heart attack on September 10 and had a stent put in.
“I remember him telling me he wasn’t feeling well and because he is a diabetic we kept on checking his sugar levels and did not think anything about it.

“Well, I would have never thought that my husband was having a heart attack,” said his wife of 29 years, Vivienne.
After the heart stent was put in Kevin was absent from work for about five weeks and at their six-week check-up Kevin’s cardiologist informed them that he will never be healthy again.

“He was classified as a heart failure patient as he has an enlarged heart with two valves not working properly.
“One of the two valves has stretched due to his enlarged heart which is the cause for blood falling back into one chamber due to the low function of his heart.

“His heart is only pumping at 30 per cent ejection refraction. He is also building up fluid due to low pumping,” said Vivienne with tears in her eyes.

A turn for the worse

On December 24 he was again admitted to the Netcare Union Hospital after he collapsed at home.

“Our daughter screamed when she saw her dad collapsing and hitting his head against our oven. It was blood everywhere and Kevin’s eyes were rolled back. It was one of the scariest moments of our lives,” said Vivienne.

Upon doing tests the doctors diagnosed kidney failure. Kevin’s heart rate was dangerously high and the doctors decided to shock his heart back into rhythm.

“He is in desperate need of a new heart.”

Kevin is still in ICU and he is now busy with his third set of antibiotics. He is also currently on medicine for his heart, low blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Kevin was taken for X-rays on January 7 after nurses noticed he chokes after eating and drinking.
It was discovered there is a tear in his throat which was caused by an unfortunate event caused by the ventilator pipe.
“He now drinks 250ml water every six hours due to the tear in his throat and before a heart transplant can be done that tear needs to be completely healed,” Vivienne said.

Bills piling up

A week in the hospital costs approximately R150 000.
“Our hospital plan is not paying out as we claimed twice in six months. They only paid R68 000 out, which counts as coverage for an illness in hospital.

“Last week I was told to pay R100 000 just to keep him in private care. He would need a heart transplant, but for now I am desperately in need of financial help just to get him healthy enough to qualify for a place on the donors’ list for a new heart.

“I cannot take my husband to a state facility. He is responding well to the treatments which he will not receive if moved to a state hospital,” said Vivienne.

Vivienne told the RECORD her husband has been hopeful throughout everything that has happened.

“He has one of the most beautiful hearts and he is the best father and husband. He still has his whole life ahead of him.”

How you can help

People who want to donate money can either donate via Kevin’s GoGetFunding page (https://gogetfunding.com/help-save-kevins-life/) or by paying the money directly into the hospital’s case managers account (Alex.KingPage@netcare.co.za).

Banking details are as follows:

Name: 1011 998 690 (KS MERRY)
Bank: Nedbank
Branch: Alberton 250655
Acc number: 1902198263
Swift code: Nedszajj

According to Vivienne, every donation will be a step closer to his new heart and time is of the essence. For any other information about Kevin, contact Vivienne on 073 305 9881.