It has taken some time to post a new update, as every day seems to bring a new hope and a new challenge. Richard was released from his second stint in the hospital after nearly a week. He is on a new cocktail of medications, which seem to be pushing his heart in the right direction. As of now, a transplant is still imminent, but doctors are hoping to increase his heart function to somewhere around 30%. 

His body has finally been able to shed much of the fluid he was retaining (nearly 50 lbs worth!), which has been a big relief. However, other physical ailments have arisen. First, it was determined that he was malnourished, so with the help of a nutritionist he was put on a high protein diet, no sodium diet. This unfortunately caused him an enormous amount of stomach discomfort. After that, the rapid fluid loss caused imbalances in his body that have caused him to have muscle spasms in his back. He has had some unbearable bouts of pain, which have limited his mobility and stalled some of his progress. 

Overall, things are moving in a positive direction at the moment, and we hope they continue to do so. We are hopeful that he will have some kind of health insurance soon so that we can get him the care he needs moving forward--which includes cardiac physical therapy and in-home care.

Though Richard has not had a chance to respond to messages, please know that he has read each and every one of them, and is appreciative of all the prayers, support, and kind words people have sent his way.