Michael Henninger pictured with his daughter, Bella (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
A 39-year-old Lower Saucon Township husband and father who’s been waiting to receive a new heart for more than a month successfully underwent transplant surgery in Philadelphia early Thursday, his wife reported.
Mike Henninger’s surgery began at 8 a.m., just a few hours after the family received notification that a donor heart was available, Marnie Henninger said in a Facebook post that was already being flooded with dozens of congratulatory comments Thursday night.
The surgery lasted four-and-a-half hours and he now has a “perfect heart,” she said, adding that “he is awake and doing extremely well except for all the pain he is experiencing.”
Marnie noted that while the surgery was a success,”we have a very long road ahead of us with a great start so far.”
She thanked the family’s friends and supporters, many of whom have visited Mike during his hospital stay and helped organize fundraising efforts to help cover costs associated with the transplant that won’t be paid for by insurance.
So far nearly $5,000 has been raised toward a $30,000 goal, according to Henninger’s fundraising page on the website HelpHopeLive, which is associated with the Mid-Atlantic Heart Transplant Fund.
Friends of the Henningers–who have organized under the name Team Mike–are continuing to plan an Oct. 3 fundraiser for them in conjunction with Smokin’ Outlaw BBQ of Hellertown.
Mike Henninger is a Hellertown native whose heart began to weaken due to genetic cardiomyopathy, which was diagnosed in 2009 while he was awaiting the birth of his daughter, Bella.
“When he feels better, his goal is to go on a bike ride with Bella, and visit family who live four hours away,” the description provided on the website states.
The Saucon Source family wishes him a speedy recovery from his surgery and a fun time on his first post-op bike ride with Bella.
Please share your well-wishes for the Henningers in the comments!
