Robert Schade

Rob Schade

Transplant Type:  Heart

Rob Schade of Billings Montana is fighting for his life. In 1997, he first began having issues with his heart and was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy. By 2003, his condition had worsened and he learned he had congestive heart failure. 

In 2006 he had a defibrillator installed. Just before Christmas 2016, he went to the ER after receiving a shock from the defibrillator. At that time, he learned he was in AFib and he spent time in the hospital as they tried to get it under control. He remained hospitalized for six weeks as he underwent cardiac therapy. 

In 2017, he received a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) or heart pump which helpshisheart pump while he waits for a donor heart to become available. Before he can be added to the transplant waiting list, his transplant center is requiring him to raise funds. 

During this difficult time, Rob is grateful for the love and support of his family and friends. He has a daughter and two grandsons, and his illness prevents him from being the active father and grandfather he’d like to be. Although the LVAD has made a difference in his health, he looks forward to receiving a transplant that will give him back his energy and improve his quality of life. 

He used to enjoy camping, fishing, hiking, and motor sports, but his illness prevents him from doing those things now. Rob wants nothing more than healthy so he can enjoy more time with his family, return to the activities he once enjoyed, and live his life to the fullest. But right now he needs your help. 

The average heart transplant costsmore than $1 million, and that’sonly the beginning. Even with insurance, which will cover a portion of the transplant costs, he still faces significant expenses related to the surgery. For the rest of his life, he will need follow-up care and anti-rejection medications. Post-transplant medications are very expensive, and they’re as critical to his survival as the transplant itself. 

Rob lives more than 550 miles from his transplant center, and traveling back and forth for appointments can be expensive. When he receives his transplant he will have to temporarily relocate to be nearby while he recovers, incurring substantial expenses for travel, food, and lodging. 

You can help by making a tax-deductible donation to NFT in honor of Rob. If you'd prefer to send your gift by mail, please send it to the National Transplant Fund, 3249 W. Sarazens Cir, Ste 100, Memphis, TN 38125. Please be sure to write "in honor of Rob Schade” on the memo line. 

Thank you for your generosity! 

Patient Health Institute: University of Utah Medical Center