Michael Guthrie

A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Athens musician Michael Guthrie, who suffered a serious medical emergency last month and was found to require open-heart surgery. The procedure took place Oct. 30.

Michael's wife Vanda Guthrie underwent a similar surgery earlier this year and is currently "suffering from a collapsed lung and ongoing treatment," according to the fundraising page.

As both Michael and Vanda will require costly physical therapy and will be unable to work for the forseeable future, well-wishers are seeking $10,000 in donations to help support the family. (As of this writing, the total had reached nearly $3,500.)

From the page:

As many of our friends know, Vanda Guthrie is still recovering from her open heart quadruple bypass surgery. She is suffering from a collapsed lung and ongoing treatment and physical therapy is difficult to pay for. 

A few days ago, Michael Guthrie became very ill and stopped breathing at a doctor's appointment and had to be admitted into the Emergency Room. After many tests and procedures it became evident that multiple arteries in Michael's heart were 75% to 99% blocked. His condition has the nick name "The Widow Maker" because a heart attack resulting from multiple blocked arteries comes swift and does not leave many survivors. Michael underwent an open heart surgery on 10/30/2015 and is in recovery.

Michael will have to undergo the same costly physical therapy and follow up treatments as Vanda is currently enduring. Michael will not be able to teach for some time or continue running his ebay store. Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers. If you are able to donate to help the Guthrie's stay afloat while they recover, it would be much appreciated and paid forward. The Guthries want to get back to work and good health to continue giving lessons and helping others. Thank you!

You can donate here. Flagpole's thoughts are with the Guthrie family.