RAPID RESPONSE INITIATIVE

The United Relief Foundation respects and diligently protects the privacy of the veterans we serve. It was John and Anita’s persistence in sharing their story with others that I agreed to share the less intimate details included in their 1,750-word “Our Story.” Frank Salato, President.

John, 45, is an Air Force veteran. The story shared by his partner Ayana, which she writes:

… my partner John and I were expecting our first child, both first time parents. I was 35 weeks along with a high risk pregnancy.

John had a heart attack. Doctors called the condition of his arteries a “walking time bomb” and a “widowmaker”.

While he awaited his Triple Bypass surgery scheduled 5 days later at Hines VA, I was left at home alone, terrified that the surgery wouldn’t be soon enough, or wouldn’t go well, that I was in a new home that wasn’t set up, unpacked, or prepped for baby at best, and at worst, that I may end up raising the baby on my own! 

[The night before John’s surgery] I was admitted [to the hospital] and told I was in preterm labor! I was dilated and about to be wheeled into surgery for an emergency C-section. I begged the doctor to hold off as I was not ready to have this baby! I told her John was in the hospital scheduled for his Triple Bypass the very next morning. I exclaimed between contractions, “No, please not today! I’m not ready! The bassinet is not together! The car seat is not in the car! I need my partner to be here! We needed to bring this baby into the world TOGETHER!” Witnessing my sheer desperation, she said, “Okay let’s give you some more fluids and keep observing. If you dilate any further, we’ll have to deliver, but for now we can wait.” Thank God she listened to my plea! I later found out John cried when I told him I was about to be wheeled into surgery without him there.

…it was time for John’s Open Heart surgery. He texted me that he was going in in the morning, and hours later I was calling from my hospital bed to every desk I could reach in Hines VA trying to get word on how his surgery went. No news from 7:30am to 5:30pm! It took 10 hours to hear that he had survived and “done exceptionally well” and that his Triple Bypass became a Quadruple! I could finally breathe.

The social worker at the VA hospital said they could get John a home health aide and possible homemakers to help with cleaning, but it might take a couple months. That was all they had to offer and nothing was certain.

One day, I decided to reach out for help to Denisse Montoya, an acquaintance we’d met a couple years back who’d impressed us with her dedication to providing veterans with access to quality programs and services. John was in the Air Force. The thought crossed my mind to see if she knew anyone who could help us in this dire situation, and I am so glad I did! She turned out to be an absolute lifesaver, and especially so for linking us with Illinois Joining Forces. Their support and care were invaluable through what has been hands down the most difficult time of our lives! Michael Smith and Jim Dolan jumped right into action and organized a donation from United Relief Foundation via Frank Salato who was diligent in seeing that we received it as promptly as possible. Michael and Jim were so attentive and concerned, it was truly heartwarming. They are Earth angels!

Well after all the uncertainty, we had our healthy baby boy, who we named Haven Sebastyan – and he is the best thing that ever happened to us! He is by far our greatest blessing and accomplishment. Just being with him, and caring for him, we are truly in our safe and holy place.

We thank the teams at IJF and United Relief for keeping our family in their prayers, helping us swiftly, and putting our minds at ease. We are forever in the debt of these conscientious, exceptionally caring individuals for coming to our rescue and we will never forget their generosity, support, and dedication as long as we live.

God Bless you All! 

In Gratitude,

Ayana Hill