Chines Auction to Help Buy a New Heart

Eric Ortner
North Buffalo Rocket / West Side Times

May 2000: Corey Lyman, a 33 year old father of two, has been diagnosed with congestive heart failure. He is in dire need of a heart transplant. This is not a cheap procedure so the Riverside resident's family and friends have taken it upon themselves to conduct a massive fund drive. 

His wife Katie Lyman explained a little about the family's dilemma. She said, "He was a truck driver for Schnieder. They claim that he cannot collect disability for this. He has applied for social security disability because he can never work again. They don't give him an answer for at least 160 days. So he has been without income since February."

It was in February when Mr. Lyman first fell ill. Mrs. Lyman said, "He had pneumonia in the lungs and that put more pressure in the heart. That was when they found out that he needed a transplant." 

She continued, "Yes, it is congestive heart failure. I was surprised because I thought congestive heart failure was just something that smokers got."

Since his diagnosis in March of 2000, Corey has been a patient in Buffalo General Hospital. There he will wait until a suitable donor can be found. Mrs. Lyman further elaborated, "He can't be released, he has to stay in the hospital. The medicine he needs to maintain his heart does not come in a pill form. So he has to stay in the hospital and receive the medication intravenously."

Once a suitable donor is found, which will likely be in one to two months, Corey Lyman will go to Columbia Hospital in New York City for the procedure. 

Mrs. Lyman explained, "We have no idea (how much this will cost)." In addition to the cost of the procedure, "family members have to get out there for the transplant. A train there is usually like $60. The hospital doesn't have any certain houses for you to stay in. So you pay your own price at whatever hotel you can get."

She continued, "He'll stay in New York to make sure that his body accepts the heart. Then when he's moved back to Buffalo he will have to go to and from New York City for treatments. After he comes home from the hospital he has to go back to the hospital every weekend for treatment." 

Obviously this is not a cheap procedure. Therefore, the family is working hard to raise the money required. They are holding a Chinese Auction benefit. Currently the family and friends of Mr. Lyman are collecting any kind of donation that may be given towards this Chinese Auction. The donations can be dropped off right at the Stadium Post. However family members would also be pleased to accept them. 

	Jay Lyman - 873-0538
	Katie Lyman - 873-7723
	Arlene Lyman - 883-2750
	Pat Winiarski 875-6972
	Karen Guard 876-9116
	or call the Stadium Post at 881-5035.

The date for the auction is June 11, 2000, from 1-5 p.m. at the Stadium Post VFW #1369 located at 219 West Ferry Street.