I was able to meet several classmates last August at a concert in Chicago. Big thumbs up! In case you were wondering, we were there to see a band called Shiner on a mini-reunion tour at the Bottom Lounge.

Rick Lindquist ’99, Phil Huckelberry ’98, Steve Raparelli ’99, Jake Burkhart ’99, and Jim Sunday ’99

Ray Thompson ’99 forged an inspirational connection with White Sox pitcher Gavin Floyd who visited Thompson in the hospital after heart transplant surgery.

Benjamin J. Nelson was recently awarded tenure and promotion to Associate Professor of Spanish at the University of South Carolina Beaufort.

Approximately 4 years ago Ray Thompson started to discover difficulties with his heart.  At that time he was treated and diagnosed with heart disease.  His heart was enlarged and was not able to adequately pump blood in/out.  During this discovery, he suffered a stroke, and was surgically outfitted with a defibrillator and pacemaker to keep his heart operating should there be an emergency.

On September 4, 2012, Ray was admitted to the hospital after not feeling well.  His heart had become exhausted and was in need of repair.  The doctors determined that Ray’s heart was no longer able to function on its own, and he would need surgery for a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) to essentially perform many of the hearts functions mechanically.  While Ray was in for surgery, it was discovered that Ray’s heart had increased to the size of a basketball and was in very bad shape.  In addition to the planned LVAD, a Right Ventricular Assist Device (RVAD) was also needed.  A heart transplant determination had been made as the long-term need.  

Following surgery for the LVAD and RVAD, Ray embarked on a very tough road to recovery.  He had suffered multiple infections and required heavy sedation and doses of medications to help his system fight to recover.  Through much prayer, and by the grace of God, Ray was able to fight off the infections and recover strong.  But, this is only half the battle…

Ray is still in need of a heart transplant and has a long road ahead to reach the ultimate recovery.  His, and his family’s, life has been altered and requires many daily changes to the normal routine.  As with a major health treatment such as this, the medical costs are escalating and expected to continue with many treatments ahead, and the cost for an eventual heart transplant.  In addition to the burden of healthcare costs, there are daily living cost adjustments with Ray’s limitations to work and provide for his family.

This benefit is being organized to help take alleviate the financial burden for Ray and his family…and help get back to normal.  

 http://www.raisingforray.com/