Jeffrey Erickson Sr

Jeffrey Erickson

Transplant Type:   Heart

What if you were living on borrowed time? 

Jeffrey Erickson is fighting for his life. In 1964, at only 13 months old, he underwent a surgery known as a Transposition of the Great Arteries to correct a birth defect which had caused a hole in the baffle of his heart. He lived with this condition for many years, however, in 2012 his condition began to further deteriorate, and he was forced to undergo several procedures. Unfortunately, in 2022, his health unexpectedly took turn a turn for the worse and he was hospitalized. Now doctors say a heart transplant is critical for his survival. 

During such a challenging time, Jeffrey is thankful for his wife, Rene, their two children as well as their niece and nephew. He wishes they did not have to be so concerned about his health, but he is grateful for their love and support. Before his health began to decline, he enjoyed working as an electrician, attending his nephew’s son’s ballgames, camping, hunting, and fishing, but these days, his activities are quite limited. He looks forward to the transplant that will allow him to be healthy enough to spend many more years making memories with his family, but right now, he needs your help.

Unfortunately, Jeffrey’s hope for a new life comes at a very high price.

The average heart transplant costs more than $1 million. And that is only the beginning. Even with health insurance, which will cover the cost of his transplant, he faces significant expenses related to the surgery. For the rest of his life, he will need follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications. Post-transplant medications are very expensive, and they are as critical to his survival as the transplant itself. 

Because Jeffrey must travel more than 160 miles from his home to the transplant center for evaluations and doctors’ appointments, he incurs substantial expenses for each trip. When he receives his transplant, Jeffrey will have to stay near the hospital during recovery, adding to the financial strain.

You can help by making a tax-deductible donation to the National Foundation for Transplants in honor of Jeffrey.  

If you'd prefer to send your gift by mail, please send it to the National Foundation for Transplants, 3249 W. Sarazen’s Circle, Suite 100, Memphis, TN 38125.  Please be sure to write "in honor of Jeffrey Erickson” in the memo line.

Thank you for your generosity! 

Transplant Center:   Emory University Hospital

If you have any questions about The National Foundation for Transplants, feel free to contact the staff at 800-489-3863.