Nicholas Madrigale of Atglen is facing one of life's most difficult challenges. The 31-year-old father of four is in need of a heart transplant.

And, while waiting for the call that a heart is available, Madrigale is maintaining a positive outlook and encouraging others facing dire situations to do the same.

"I want to help others who face similar adversities continue to remain positive and stand tall," he said. "When things happen that are bad and get us down, it is not the end. There is always a way. Sometimes you have to search for the positive, but that is what I do to maintain."

Madrigale was born with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and it wasn't until the age of 5 when he was diagnosed after his heart stopped three times before he was resuscitated. He was placed on several heart medications, and when he was 8 years old, he was fitted with his first pacemaker/defibrillator.

In May of 2021, he contracted pneumonia and was diagnosed with chronic heart failure. Currently, he has a PICC line where he receives medication through an IV.

"I am officially on the (heart donor) list. I am a Status 4," he explained. "That is described as someone who can be an outpatient with a PICC line and an IV pump that runs 24/7. I change the IV daily and I have a nurse who comes out once week to clean the dressing of where the PICC line enters the body."

Madrigale expects that he will soon move to the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia to wait for a new heart, at which point he will move up on the transplant list to a Status 3. "I am on the highest dose of medicine you can have as an outpatient. They are about to bring me into the hospital, and I will wait from there," he said, noting that the wait for the new heart could take several months. "I am preparing to stay in the hospital for a while."

Madrigale said that while he is used to living with heart disease, he is looking forward to having his procedure and living with a new heart. "Once it happens and once it goes through, I'll be able to do more than I ever did before," he said. "I focus on what's next."

The community has supported the family with several fundraisers, and a GoFundMe page has been set up to help Madrigale pay for medical bills since he is no longer able to work.

He encourages people to contact him on the page, including those in similar circumstances or those who need support for whatever difficulties they are going through.

"I want good thoughts and prayers, but I also want people to know that they are not the only ones going through tough times, even if it's not medical (issues)," he stated. "I am always open to talking to people. I wanted to get my story out there because maybe I can help somebody. I think my determination, willpower and perseverance could be helpful for people to see no matter what situation they are in."

To learn more about Madrigale and his journey for a new heart or to make a donation, visit https://gofund.me/04a3f4d0.