LAUREL, Del.- Last year we shared the story of Scott Stitcher, a 47-year-old father and husband who is in need of a heart and liver transplant.
Stitcher has endured a long battle with his heart since birth. He was born what he calls a "blue baby." Stitcher says he had pulmonary atresia which basically means he had a hole between two chambers of his heart.
Over the years he's had bypass surgery, open heart surgery, totaling to around a dozen over the course of his life. The Sussex County man says he takes eight medications daily.
Though he was hoping to be on the transplant list by now, Stitcher has not made the cut. According to doctors, his heart would need to operate at a minimum 20% efficiency. Right now, Stitcher's heart operates at around 25% to 30%.
Doctors say Stitcher is in need of a heart transplant, as well as a new liver if he's to survive. The liver transplant would help ensure the heart transplant is successful.
Right now, the Stitcher family says it's a waiting game.
"You're always waiting," Stitcher said. "I go back every six months, and they run all these tests and we're waiting for them to say 'hey we're going to put you on the list,' and they say 'hey you're not quite there yet,' so it's like 'when does it ever end?' But you just keep living your life the best that you can."
Stitcher hopes the two transplants will allow him long-lasting memories memories with his family--including his 9-year-old daughter Melina.
But a heart and liver transplant will not come cheap.
According to Stitcher, "It will total to roughly $1 million," he said.
Insurance will cover some of Stitcher's expenses, though he and his family worry about the co-payment as well as the deductible, and the cost for medications.
In the meantime, local Delmarva businesses have rallied behind the Stitcher family to help ease their financial woes.
On Wednesday, Moe's Southwest Grill in Salisbury held a fundraiser and donated partial earnings that will go directly to Stitcher's medical expenses. Moe's did the same for the Stitcher family last year.
Elisa Stitcher, Scott's wife, says this will help their family tremendously.
The family says an organization called Help Hope Live, a medical fundraising non-profit has been an intricate part in helping their family with Scott's battle.
To help support Scott Stitcher and his family at any time, you can visit this website, https://helphopelive.org/campaign/14115/