Three weeks ago, I was on life support.
After sudden cardiac arrest, ECMO, mechanical heart support, dialysis, and weeks in the ICU, I am now in recovery.
I am deeply grateful to everyone standing beside me during this season.
Help Skip Recover After Cardiac Arrest
Support Skip's recovery and help cover essential living + medical costs while he heals.
< Skip waving from the rehab center on 2/7/22
What Your Support Will Help Cover
If you’re able to support Skip right now, your help will go directly toward covering essential living and medical expenses while he focuses on recovery. Every donation, share, and message of support truly matters. Skip cannot access government disability support because he is self-employed, making community support essential for his survival during recovery.
Support Provides:
- 9-12 Months of Basic living expenses during his recovery period
- Out-of-pocket medical costs, prescriptions, and insurance copays
- Financial Stability during healing and rehabilitation
Photo: Mid February at the Rehab Center
Who Skip Is
If you know Coach Skip, you know him as strong, disciplined, and relentlessly positive. He has spent years as an independent fitness coach in Los Angeles, helping men and women rebuild strength, confidence, and health after setbacks. Helping others recover has never just been his profession. It’s who he is.
What many people don’t know is that Skip has had to do that work himself... more than once.
In 2001, Skip was diagnosed with stage 4B non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. At just 5’7”, he went from a muscular, athletic 200 pounds to losing more than 45 pounds during chemotherapy. He survived, rebuilt, and returned to strength.
Then, almost ten years ago, he faced open-heart surgery and a quadruple bypass, losing nearly 40 pounds, and once again fought his way back to full fitness.
Photo: January 16th in ICU, just before removing Mechanical Ventilation
When Everything Changed
In early January, Skip suffered a sudden cardiac arrest.
What followed were weeks in the ICU, time on advanced life-support machines, mechanical heart support, dialysis, and round-the-clock care while his medical team worked to stabilize his heart and keep his body alive.
During the most critical moments of his recovery, Skip faced one hurdle after another ... and cleared every single one with almost no setbacks. Doctors and nurses repeatedly remarked that he was not a typical patient and were impressed by how well he had kept himself (and his clients) in shape, even as he approached 60 years old.
His medical team shared that his long-term commitment to cardiovascular fitness played a meaningful role in helping him survive the initial cardiac event.
Against the odds, Skip survived.
He was gradually removed from life support, regained consciousness, and began the slow work of rebuilding strength. He now has an implanted defibrillator to protect him from future sudden cardiac events and continues to improve day by day.
Photo: February 8th, First Rehab steps
Looking ahead!
As part of Skip’s recovery, his medical team has listed him for a possible heart transplant. This is a proactive step — not one made out of crisis — to ensure that if his heart does not fully recover, he has access to the best possible long-term outcome.
Right now, the focus is on recovery, rehabilitation, and giving his body the time it needs to heal.
Why Support Matters Now
Skip will be unable to work for up to 9–12 months. As a self-employed individual, he does not qualify for state disability benefits. Many know that the medical system and social safety nets are complex, lengthy and oftentimes impossible to navigate. Your support will help immediately as he navigates these programs to sustain himself during recovery
During this time, basic life expenses don’t stop:
- $9,000 annual medical deductible
- Prescription copays
- Rent, insurance, and loan payments
- Utilities and everyday living costs
- Potential in-home care or medical equipment
This support isn’t about extras. It’s about covering the basics, so Skip can focus on healing.
Direct Support over Zelle
Zelle Phone or Tag:
$SkipShapeInc
773-502-6011
Log into your bank’s online banking and look for Pay & Transfer or Send money with Zelle.
Your support goes directly to Skip for immediate use toward recovery and essential expenses.
Direct Support over VENMO
Also goes directly to Skip’s Venmo for immediate availability. Simple and fast if you already use Venmo.
Support via GoFundMe
Donate through GoFundMe if you prefer, including the option to give anonymously.
Share this on Social Media and engage Skip's Social Media posts to help visibility!
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