SoCal father fights for his life as family says he’s being denied heart transplant he needs

LOS ANGELES () — A Southern California man in need of a heart transplant is fighting for his life. Despite having insurance, his family says the life-saving surgery has yet to happen.

Rhett Pascual has been hospitalized at Keck Medicine of USC since February. The 53-year-old is in a race against time and medical approval for a heart transplant to save his life.

“It’s a matter of life and death. I’m just looking for a chance. Give me a little bit more time,” Pascual said from his hospital bed.

Pascual, a husband and father of two, was first diagnosed with cardiomyopathy before later suffering a stroke. Pascual’s heart has now given out, and his only hope is a transplant.

“He’s fighting. He’s fighting for us. He’s fighting for his family. He doesn’t want to die,” his wife Julia Pascual told Eyewitness News.

Their son, Rhyss Pascual, described the ordeal as “a very difficult and heartbreaking journey,” adding that the family is determined to support his dad.

Pascual’s family says when he first arrived at Keck Medicine of USC they were told he couldn’t be put on the transplant list because of financial issues despite having full insurance coverage.

The time it’s taking to sort out the paperwork is taking a major toll on Pascual’s heart and triggering a second denial.

“Basically, they’re saying he’s getting denied now because he’s too weak, but why wait four weeks? He’s already been here a month,” Julia Pascual said.

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help the family cover the deductible costs of a transplant as Pascual remains focused on his faith and his fight for a new heart.

“I’ll get stronger, and once I’m on that list, it’s hope. That’s what’s important,” Pascual said.

Eyewitness News reached out to the hospital for comment. Officials say due to patient privacy they can’t release any details on the case.

Pascual’s family say they continue to pray he will soon be added to the heart transplant list.