Art For My Heart

Two years ago I was diagnosed with a rare version of sarcoidosis—cardiac sarcoidosis. At the time, my heart was pumping at 20% its capacity. Today I wear an ICD and pacemaker and take a handful of medicines to preserve its function and offset the symptoms of its reduced capacity and awkward rhythm.

The disease has damaged my heart, but it doesn’t have to do any more damage if I can get proper treatment. Of course, proper treatment is expensive. Because this is a rare form of sarcoidosis, trying to find a plan that will fit my situation is difficult since there are few precedents. So, with my mama, I am heading to the world-renowned Mayo Clinic in Minnesota where I hope to integrate their cutting edge research with my current care team’s protocols.

The trip will include our flights; they’ll cost approximately $800; shuttle transport which costs approximately $40 for the both of us; lodging will cost us approximately $800; and there will of course be meals for the four days of visits and tests.

Here’s where you come in. Since diagnosis, my bills have increased where my salary has not. Monthly, I pay anywhere between $50 and $200 in copays for doctor visits in addition to local parking and tolls for those trips; around $40 for medications, $200 for a payment plan on my standing medical bill for previous surgeries and tests; and for tests and monitors I pay whatever insurance won’t cover, which though it is substantial given their costs, still drains my bank account.

I need help, but since I don’t believe in getting or asking for something for nothing, for (and with) my heart, I propose the following exchange:

For donations of $1 – $19 – 5×4 frameable commemorative postcard from Tropism art exhibit

For donations of $20 – $49 – 3.5×2 Tropism magnet + 5×4 frameable commemorative postcard from Tropism art exhibit

For donations of $50 or more – 3.5×2 Tropism magnet + 5×4 frameable commemorative postcard + 11×17 poster from Tropism collection
(Select your print below; hover over selection for title).

Use this link to pay via PayPal.
(Be sure to leave your mailing address and if applicable, selected print in the field that asks if you’d like to leave a note).

To pay by mail, please send to
2401 E. Franklin St., #402 Richmond, VA 23223
*Returned checks will be charged a $20 return fee.*

Shipping will begin January 15^th.

Thanks for caring. Thanks for sharing.