by JUDI LINDGREN

Special to the Sounder

I would like to take a moment to introduce you to a couple that has currently fallen on hard times with medical issues.

Gary and Melinda Hart have been residents to our corner of the world for the past 20-plus years. Gary has worked as the manager for the NAPA store and Melinda is that bubbly personality at Island Market.

Recently Gary was diagnosed with HCC liver cancer. A treatment protocol was implemented along with extensive testing and surgery. After surgery it was determined that the cancer had not spread but would return and that one tumor couldn’t be removed thus a transplant would be his last option.

Five weeks later Gary gets “The Call,” and he has a small window of opportunity to get to the UW Medical Center. Thanks to the Orcas Island Fire Department and Airlift NW, he was able to get to the UW Medical Center in a timely manner. After 24 hours of intense waiting, Gary and Melinda were disappointedly informed that the liver wasn’t viable for transplant. This was an eye opener. There could be several of these trips before Gary could receive a viable liver.

As you can imagine, the costs keep mounting. Even though insurance covers a lot, it doesn’t cover everything. With the help of the Eastsound branch of Key Bank, an account has been opened for donations to assist in the medical and extra expenses that Gary and Melinda are incurring. The account is called the “Gary Hart Donation Fund” and your participation would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks to each and everyone of you for your well wishes and emotional support.