Branson businessman recovering from rare and difficult surgery

Branson's Eric Farris is enjoying something that many of us take for granted—the ability to breathe.  

Farris, a sales professional and well-known personality in Branson, was suffering from CTEPH, a rare lung disease caused by scar tissue that had formed in the arteries of lungs from two previous pulmonary embolisms. Farris' condition was life threatening, and he would have faced heart failure—and death—within the year without intervention.

Farris learned of an extremely rare and risky open lung surgery called Pulmonary Thromboendarterectomy, an intense surgery only performed by a small handful of surgeons worldwide. Farris traveled to San Diego, California, for the surgery, which was conducted by Dr. Michael Madani, recognized as the best in the world for the rare surgery.

"I must say that I am blessed," said Farris. "Not only did I survive a very dangerous 10-hour long operation during which I was clinically dead, without a heartbeat, for a total of 47 minutes, but I have regained the ability to breathe!"

Farris and his wife Sindy are extremely thankful that Eric's health is improving, and have been encouraged by the many prayers sent up on their behalf, as well as the kind messages and assistance from friends that they have received. However, as Eric continues in his recovery, the family is facing a financial battle, as well.  

Explained Farris, "I haven't been allowed to work during the last three months, and we are facing large, unpaid medical bills and other expenses incurred while we were gone six weeks out-of-state for the surgery."

A friend of the Farris Family, Brian Crgusagus, created a GoFundMe account to help with needed funds as Eric recuperates. If you would like to help the couple during this difficult time, your contributions are appreciated. Simply type in "Go FundMe Please Help Eric Farris to Breathe Again" in your search bar to reach the correct GoFundMe account.

Thank you for your compassion, generosity and support for our family during the recovery chapter of this extremely difficult journey," said Eric.