The doctors told me that my daughter most likely will not live more than six months without a heart transplant 😱😱😱.
My daughter is fading away, and I can’t do anything – I’m a poor biker without any means.
Maya collapsed during soccer practice on Tuesday afternoon, and by Thursday doctors said she probably wouldn’t live more than six months without a heart transplant. 😱
I’m fifty-eight years old, I ride a motorcycle and fix cars. I was sitting in the hospital room when they explained to me that the surgery and post-operative care would cost $450,000, and insurance wouldn’t cover the entire amount.
“We can put her on the transplant waiting list,” Dr. Morrison explained, “but without financial security, your daughter won’t be a priority if a suitable heart becomes available.”
I looked at her through the window: she lay there, IVs in her arms, and the machines monitoring her heart were making sounds. Her mother died in childbirth. For sixteen years, Maya and I went through everything together—just the two of us.
“How much time do I have to raise this money?” I asked.
“Mr. Chen, we need at least half the amount in advance to maintain priority—that’s $225,000. And you have thirty days,” they replied.
I got out, walked over to my motorcycle and sat in the parking lot for another hour trying to figure out what to do.
I met up with my friends from the club, sad, and told them the whole story. They looked at each other, silent, with heavy expressions. I couldn’t even imagine what they would do after I left.
The next day, our club president, Marcus, came to the hospital. He looked serious, almost solemn. He approached me, and what he said in a calm but agitated voice was a real shock to me.
The next day, our club president, Marcus, came to the hospital. He looked serious, almost solemn. He approached me and, in a calm but worried voice, said:
– “Listen, brother… we’ve been talking all night. We know what you’re going through, but you’re not alone. What I’m about to say is very important.”
I listened to him, nervously and impatiently.
— “The club came together. We found a way to raise $225,000.”
I froze, stunned.
“Collections, auctions, charity events… We did everything we could. And in less than 24 hours, we almost managed to raise the entire amount. All this for Maya.”
It was as if a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. I was speechless. These men, my brothers, had sacrificed their time and safety to save my daughter.
“You see, Mr. Chen, we are a family. And we will do everything to keep Maya alive.”
Tears came to my eyes. These people did the impossible. Thanks to them, Maya now has a chance to survive. ❤️
