A Northwest Arkansas man in need of a life-saving heart transplant is now on the top of the list after the community rallies behind him.
Last week Jeff Clardy was given less than a year to live if he did not receive a heart transplant. His insurance would pay for the surgery, but the family would have to take care of the post surgery medicine by themselves, which costs $150,000. Last Wednesday the Clardy family, which has owned Clardy's Cobbler Shoppe in Fayetteville for 33 years, began raising money. Less than a week later they have more than $91,000.
"It's such a blessing to know that folks care and they are willing to do this and take on this burden with us, it just doesn't make it ours it's something that we all share," said Marietta Clardy, Jeff's wife.
Letters, phone calls and donations came in not just from all over the community, but all over the country.
"The dollar donations are just as important as the $5,000, and $20,000 donations," said Jeff. Some people, who couldn't afford to give money, just came into the Cobbler Shoppe to wish Jeff good luck with a hug or a prayer.
The love and generosity also caught the attention of St. Luke's Hospital in Kansas City. They decided to place Clardy on the transplant list even though $58,000 still needed to be raised. "That's when they said 'oh my goodness who are you Jeff Clardy what community do you have what kind of base is there in that city,'" said Marietta.
The answer isn't that complex, Jeff Clardy is a simple shoe repair man, who has been touching people's souls in Northwest Arkansas for 33 years. The community is just saying thanks.
"I just don't deserve that, the lord deserves the credit, and my family, it's not me, but I can't express how much I appreciate it," said Clardy.
Clardy left for St. Luke's Hospital in Kansas City Tuesday afternoon. He will be there until Friday getting accustomed to medication that will prepare him for surgery. Then it's a waiting game. It can take anywhere from one week to six months to receive a transplant. However, the average wait is 36 days.
Donations can be made to Clardy at any First Security Bank. The account number is 08229767. You can also go to Clardy's Cobbler Shoppe in person, which is located at 416 N. College Avenue, Fayetteville. If you donate one dollar a heart will be taped on the window with your name on it.
More information can be found at www.jeffclardy.yolasite.com.
Last week Jeff Clardy was given less than a year to live if he did not receive a heart transplant. His insurance would pay for the surgery, but the family would have to take care of the post surgery medicine by themselves, which costs $150,000. Last Wednesday the Clardy family, which has owned Clardy's Cobbler Shoppe in Fayetteville for 33 years, began raising money. Less than a week later they have more than $91,000.
"It's such a blessing to know that folks care and they are willing to do this and take on this burden with us, it just doesn't make it ours it's something that we all share," said Marietta Clardy, Jeff's wife.
Letters, phone calls and donations came in not just from all over the community, but all over the country.
"The dollar donations are just as important as the $5,000, and $20,000 donations," said Jeff. Some people, who couldn't afford to give money, just came into the Cobbler Shoppe to wish Jeff good luck with a hug or a prayer.
The love and generosity also caught the attention of St. Luke's Hospital in Kansas City. They decided to place Clardy on the transplant list even though $58,000 still needed to be raised. "That's when they said 'oh my goodness who are you Jeff Clardy what community do you have what kind of base is there in that city,'" said Marietta.
The answer isn't that complex, Jeff Clardy is a simple shoe repair man, who has been touching people's souls in Northwest Arkansas for 33 years. The community is just saying thanks.
"I just don't deserve that, the lord deserves the credit, and my family, it's not me, but I can't express how much I appreciate it," said Clardy.
Clardy left for St. Luke's Hospital in Kansas City Tuesday afternoon. He will be there until Friday getting accustomed to medication that will prepare him for surgery. Then it's a waiting game. It can take anywhere from one week to six months to receive a transplant. However, the average wait is 36 days.
Donations can be made to Clardy at any First Security Bank. The account number is 08229767. You can also go to Clardy's Cobbler Shoppe in person, which is located at 416 N. College Avenue, Fayetteville. If you donate one dollar a heart will be taped on the window with your name on it.
More information can be found at www.jeffclardy.yolasite.com.
