Dear El Reno Strong Community … Please Help Again! 

I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing the El Reno Strong community in action for many years to support families with various needs such as tornado victims, cancer patients and car wrecks.

Unfortunately, you are needed again. 

Damien is a 12-year-old boy in my class at Roblyer. He was enjoying spring break just as other kids last week until he became ill on Wednesday.

His mom took him to the clinic and the staff there noticed a problem with his heart that had never been diagnosed in him before that day, so they immediately called an ambulance and rushed him to Children’s Hospital, where he remains today. 

Damien was diagnosed with DCM (Dilated Cardiomyopathy), which is a disease of the heart that is reversible if it’s detected early, but in Damien’s case, it was not early enough. Damien’s heart is not responding to treatment and only 25 percent of his heart is functioning properly.

He will remain at Children’s Hospital until he receives a donated heart. Damien had never complained about chest pains or any symptoms that would have resulted in an earlier diagnosis, so a heart transplant is the only option for them unless medical treatments begin working more effectively. 

Damien’s mom remains by his side in the Cardiac ICU unit 24/7 and is currently not working. His dad is also missing work to be with Damien as much as possible and helping to care for Damien’s three siblings.

They are proud parents who have not asked for ANYTHING … but they have many needs. Please keep in mind that he will remain in the hospital until a donor heart is available and for recovery, which could take several more weeks or months.

Some heart surgeries may also be needed as they wait for a donated organ.

I know the El Reno community will step up, so here are some of the needs: 

▶ Help spread the word about Damien’s story and these needs on social media or anyone you know.

▶ Money raised at the following GoFundme site will go DIRECTLY TO THE FAMILY for needed expenses, https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-Damiens-fight-for-a-heart-transplant.

▶ Gas and meal cards to help with travel to and from the hospital and meals for family. Please send them to me at Roblyer and I will get them to the parents ASAP. 

▶ Non-perishable food items and hot meals for the siblings at home are also very much appreciated, but this must be coordinated carefully so nothing is wasted. Please contact Holly Majka at the email below to provide these items, hmajka@elrenops.org.

▶ Prayers for Damien, for his family, for his friends at school, and for the many faculty who teach him at school each day. Please add to your church’s prayer list, host prayer vigils, or take time to pray for all involved. 

Thank you in advance. I know this community will overwhelm this family with the love and support to help them through all of this. 

David Garner
Damien’s teacher at Roblyer Learning Center 
dgarner@elrenops.org