UPDATE on Jerry Wilson 3/4/23:
It's been almost 9 months post transplant and Jerry is still recovering. He's able to get out more and even worked in the yard this week. As you may know there are constant ongoing medical expenses like insurance, bills that aren't covered by insurance and with our many trips back and forth the the medical center in Houston. We have continued to keep this fundraiser up and running to help cover those expenses. Jerry also hasn't worked since 2020 because of his heart condition. We are so incredibly thankful for long-term disability insurance (while it lasted) and SSI disability and of course my voice over business and are able to pay our regular expenses with that but anything extra can be challenging. If it is in your heart to give then we are so appreciative of everything that comes in and all who do give and have given. We also appreciate all who have supported us in prayer as well. Below is our story...love, The Wilsons!
Jerry's Heart Transplant Story
Many of you know that Jerry, aka jokester, has been fighting congestive heart failure for 11 years. Last year on April 1, 2021 he hit a pinnacle and his heart needed help fighting beyond what medication could provide. So he had a life saving device put in his heart called an LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device). Then a few days before Easter of this year (2022), his heart started going into v-tach (his heart would stop) and his internal pacemaker/defibrillator began to shock him. BUT through the power of God and the LVAD, his life was spared numerous times. He was released in April and was doing well. Then Memorial day, just a few weeks later, his heart went into v-tach again and he was hospitalized again at Memorial Hermann in Houston. He seemed to be holding steady, but then his heart started repeatedly going into v-tach and therefore they had to keep him completely sedated. The only option for him to survive would be to receive a new heart.
On Saturday, June 11th, Jerry was placed on the transplant list as Status 1 Critical, allowing him to be close to the top of the list. Then, early Thursday morning, June 16th, the call came saying that they had an offer on a heart. Later that evening they started the transplant and worked till the wee hours of the night. The transplant was complete at 3 AM.
Jerry is recovering well and taking slow but steady strides in his recovery. When he is released from the hospital he’ll have to live close to the medical center in Houston for about 3 months for appointments, tests and biopsies. With that, comes expenses such as medical, gas, food, housing, rehab and other unforeseen expenses. Asking for financial assistance isn’t an easy thing for anyone to do, but when unexpected events happen in life the support of family and friends is such a blessing. Many have asked how they can help and other than your prayers and love, the greatest need is financial support to cover all the unforeseen expenses.
This whole process has been absolutely life changing as God has done miracle after miracle. Most of all, He’s done a miracle in our hearts drawing us closer to His heart. We are in absolute awe of who He is and how amazing He has worked for us and continues to work in us.
We will share our story with everyone as soon as we have the opportunity, as Jerry continues through this process of healing and recovery. Thank you all for everything you have done to be there for our family. We also ask you to pray for the family of the donor who graciously gave Jerry the most priceless gift, the gift of life. They are feeling much different emotions today than we are as they grieve their loved one. They will forever be in our hearts. Words can’t express our love and gratitude.
Thank you again for all of the love and support you have shown our family. We are truly blessed.
Click below for Jerry's story!
