For Some, Staying Alive Comes With a Price
By: Megan Dobbs
Updated: February 10, 2011
James Stafford needs a heart transplant. He suffered a heart attack about 13 years ago, causing his heart's functioning to decrease to about 10%. Now the very piece of equipment James wears on his back propels his heart, keeping him alive.
The doctor tells James his options are simple--live the rest of his life wearing his lifeline, or get a heart transplant. James says he wants the procedure not only for himself, but for his family.
The challenge facing the Staffords at this point is one that faces so many in need of heart transplants. It's a very costly procedure, sometimes costing hundreds of thousands of dollars. That is why the Staffords are doing what they can to raise money in hopes of living longer lives together.
