Kurtis Harrower was two months old when he needed his first heart surgery, but 33 years and three other surgeries later, he now needs a new heart to survive.
The last seven years have been particularly difficult for Harrower and his family, as he has made countless trips to the hospital and had two open-heart surgeries. However, after his recent surgery at age 29, doctors realized the right side of his heart was failing and shutting down.
A new heart is needed, but the transplant — which could happen at any time — will have to occur in Edmonton, Alta.
“He is hanging on. He has more bad days than good,” said mom Bev Harrower. “He just hangs out. All he does is go to doctors. Of course, with COVID, he doesn’t go absolutely anywhere unless I’m with him.”
Kurtis received a transplant call on March 18 and was air-lifted to Edmonton, but the surgery was called off because the heart was incompatible, and he returned home, she continued. That was a deflating moment for her son, his wife and two kids, and the family.
“It’s a hurry up and wait game,” Bev remarked.
While this has been an emotional rollercoaster, the family still has hope that a transplant will occur. Kurtis could travel to Edmonton at any time for surgery, which would then lead to a long-term hospital stay — five months at minimum — and lengthy recovery in that city.
Since Kurtis’ wife Katie will go with him, the family plans to host a fundraiser to generate money to cover expenses for that period. Bev also plans to be in Edmonton helping her son recover.
The Kurtis Harrower Family Fundraiser is taking place from 4 p.m. on Friday, May 14 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 15, at the Crushed Can Sports Bar and Night Club. Tickets for this boneless rib and Caesar salad event are $20 each; dine-in, take-out and delivery are offered, although a minimum of four tickets must be purchased for delivery.
The family has also created a GoFundMe page to raise money.
“We’re hanging in there. We’re a very tight village,” Bev said. “We’re very lucky because both his brother and sister live here in Moose Jaw too, and all my brothers and sisters live in Moose Jaw, so it’s a big help having everybody.
“But it’s stressful when you only have the one income — the wife’s trying to work, and you have two kids.”
Kurtis hasn’t worked in two years due to his health; he can only walk three-quarters of a block before he must stop to rest, she continued. Meanwhile, his benefits run out at the end of May, while Katie’s work benefits are unable to cover his medical needs; Kurtis must take more than two dozen medications a day.
Bev and her husband Mark have been doing OK through this stressful time, especially since Kurtis has been through four previous surgeries, she said. However, what she has appreciated is the support that the community has given over the years. This has touched her immensely.
Besides the supper fundraiser and GoFundMe page, a trust fund for Kurtis has also been set up. To donate to that fund, email kurtisharrowerfundraiser@gmail.com.
