Kirk Joseph of New Orleans' Dirty Dozen Brass Band had a heart attack yesterday. He needs assistance with medical bills. Below is a letter from his wife:
Hi,
I can't begin to know how to say this to those of you who love Kirk (not more than me), but Kirk had a heart attack yesterday morning. It hurts me to sit here and send this because now I have actually said it. I still cannot believe this.
The Cardiologist called me this afternoon to go into more detail about his condition. His heart is operating at 20%...when it should be at 60-80%. There is a blockage somewhere and they have not determined where it is. The doctor also stated he could possibly have another heart attack before they find where the blockage is. He will remain in the hospital until next week.
Hurricane Katrina did most of us in...but now I am tired. I am hurt and devastated by this and I can't break down because I have to stay strong for Kirk. He is in good spirits right now, but very afraid. He wanted me to let you all know that he is okay.
I would like for you all to join me in prayer and ask GOD to keep him here and to heal him, (body, soul, mind and spirit). I am not ready to lose him-and I know you all feel the same way.
His hospital bill right now is in excess of $8000.00 because of all the tests and x-rays, blood work ups, ekg's, medicines and all of the specialist that have seen him. They are going to continue to run tests and do an angiogram (not sure if I spelled that one right) ASAP. His lungs are still filled with fluid and he is coughing
constantly...because the air is not getting through to his lungs properly and the blood is not getting to his heart the way it should. He is on an IV, and the EKG machine is hooked up to him to monitor him.
If you would like to send him a card or a donation toward the hospital bill, we would be greatly appreciative as he does not have medical insurance. Kirk is in University Hospital.
Thank you for your continued love and support,
Venessa Joseph
P.O. Box 8852
New Orleans, LA 70182