Lindsey Allgeier, a 39-year-old woman from Millcreek Township, is back at the Cleveland Clinic, but this time she is waiting for a heart transplant for her 6-year-old son, Jonah. Both Allgeier and Jonah have been diagnosed with restrictive cardiomyopathy, a condition where the muscles in the lower chambers of the heart become stiff over time. Jonah’s condition has deteriorated rapidly, with frequent episodes of breathlessness and a recent cardiac arrest. Doctors at the Cleveland Clinic have put Jonah on powerful drugs to control his condition while they wait for a donor heart. However, the wait for a pediatric donor heart typically takes six to 12 months or even longer. Allgeier and her family have rented an apartment near the hospital to be close to Jonah during this difficult time.
Lindsey Allgeier had her own heart transplant at the age of 17 and was advised against becoming pregnant due to the risk of organ rejection. However, she decided to start her own family and now has two sons, Jonah and Isaiah. The family recently discovered that Jonah also has restrictive cardiomyopathy, which came as a shock to them. Despite the challenges they are facing, Allgeier remains hopeful and relies on her faith in God to stay strong. A fundraising website has been set up to help with the family’s hospital-related expenses. They are taking each day as it comes and providing support and care for Jonah while they await a donor heart.
