Thousands Raised For LI Nurse, A Mother Of 2, In 'Fight Of Her Life'

PLAINVIEW, NY — A Long Island nurse is fighting for her life and may need a new heart after falling unexpectedly ill this month.

A frontline worker during the pandemic, Joanne Drenckhahn was admitted to NYU Langone Hospital in Mineola last week for a heart condition, according to a fundraiser set up on Monday.

Heidi Pierluissi, the fundraiser's organizer and a friend of Drenckhahn for 16 years, told Patch that the nurse was diagnosed with viral myocarditis — an inflammation of the heart muscle. She was transferred to a hospital in the city for a higher level of care and, upon arrival, underwent surgery to get a Biventricular Assist Device.

Pierluissi, also a nurse by trade, explained that the device will allow Drenckhahn's heart to rest and that there is still a "high potential" for a heart transplant. As it stands, the mother of two is in stable but critical condition.

"Joanne is an ER nurse who has helped many through their worst times and now she is in the fight of her life," Pierluissi said. "She wears her heart on her sleeve, always kind and caring to those she encounters."

Pierluissi added: "Her husband Steve is by her side, and when he's not at the hospital he's home caring for her two boys, ages 3 and 5. Steve and the boys need the love, support, generosity, and prayers of the community."

As of Wednesday afternoon, donors have raised nearly $70,000 of the fundraiser's $100,000 goal.

The fundraiser states that the money will go toward her medical costs and children.

If you would like to donate money or learn more about the fundraiser, click here.