DOUGLAS, Ga. (WALB) — A Douglas man diagnosed with stage 4 congestive heart failure 13 years ago is now awaiting a heart transplant, but his family says a $9,000 out-of-pocket copay stands between him and placement on the transplant list.

David Reed’s wife, Shantrese Reed, is asking the community for prayers and financial support.

From a toothache to a life-changing diagnosis

David went to the hospital roughly 13 years ago complaining of a toothache. He left with a diagnosis of stage 4 congestive heart failure.

“I thought my tooth were hurting and they went in there and they diagnosed me because there’s the heartache,” David said.

The condition is hereditary in his family. His mother and brother both died of heart-related issues, including congestive heart failure.

Restaurant closure followed diagnosis

The Reeds previously owned Reed Snack and Shack, a restaurant that operated on Gaskin Avenue and later Peterson Avenue in Douglas. David’s diagnosis forced the couple to close the business. His medications caused drowsiness and fatigue, making it impossible to maintain the early morning hours the restaurant required.

“I could walk about a minute. I’d be tired. Can’t breathe right,” David said. “I love cooking. So it just hindered me from now. So we had to let the restaurant go.”

Transplant process underway at Emory

Doctors at Emory Hospital in Atlanta are working to place David on the heart transplant list. His care team requires that all major organs be functioning properly and that he be smoke-free for at least six months before transplant eligibility is confirmed.

David has already undergone multiple procedures, including a right heart catheterization, a left heart catheterization, and a cardiac ablation to correct an irregular heart rhythm. Shantrese said the ablation was performed less than a month ago, and his heart has since returned to atrial fibrillation.

The family travels to Atlanta once or twice every two weeks for follow-up appointments and additional testing.

$9,000 copay is the barrier to the transplant list

The family faces a $9,000 out-of-pocket copay that their insurance will not cover. Without that payment, David cannot be placed on the transplant list. The Reeds have six months to raise the money.

“Within these six months, we will be raising money for that $9,000 copay that insurance will not take care of,” Shantrese said.

Community asked to donate and pray

Shantrese Reed said the family has already received donations from community members to help with travel expenses, bills and meals. She said prayers are the family’s first priority though.

“Prayers, most importantly. We really will appreciate all of your prayers,” she said. “Any donations, any prayers would help.”

Shantrese said her role has been to keep her husband motivated throughout the process.

“Sometimes he gets discouraged and don’t want to take his medicine or don’t want to make a doctor’s appointment. So I do have to stay on him and let him know that God is in control at the end of the day,” she said.

The family has set up a GoFundMe page to accept donations. Those wishing to support the Reeds can visit their campaign page or contact the family directly.

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