UPDATE: As of 3/09/2026 Jay is going in for his heart transplant!!!
To our special reader,
From the moment Jay entered this world, his heart has fought harder than most. Jay was born with a congenital heart defect and underwent his very first open-heart surgery at just six months old. Since then, he has endured five open-heart surgeries throughout his life, along with multiple pacemaker surgeries. Hospitals, procedures, and recoveries have been a constant part of his story — yet so has his strength, resilience, and determination to keep moving forward.
Now, at 36 years old, Jay is facing the biggest fight of his life: a heart transplant.
Our family is incredibly close-knit, and Jay means the world to all of us. Jay is a loving husband and the proud father of a 15-year-old daughter. We are all walking through this together, surrounding him with constant love, support, and encouragement as he faces this life-changing surgery. The road ahead is long and heavy!
Along with the physical and emotional toll, the financial burden of a heart transplant is immense. Because the transplant will be performed out of state, our family will also face added expenses. Jay is required to stay within two hours of the hospital before and after surgery (a total of about 3-4 months best case), meaning extended lodging, travel, meals, and ongoing living costs. Between medical bills, hospital stays, medications, travel, time off work, and ongoing recovery expenses, the costs quickly add up. With this transplant 1 month to 1 year out we are striving to stay ahead on funds. Our goal with this fundraiser is to help relieve some stress so Jay can focus on healing — not worrying about finances.
If you’re able to donate, please know that every single contribution, no matter the size, makes a meaningful difference. If you’re unable to give, sharing this page or keeping Jay in your thoughts and prayers means more than we can express.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness, generosity, and support during this incredibly difficult time! We are so grateful to have a community standing with us.
Ps: If Jay had his way, this page wouldn’t exist — his pride is strong. But as his twin, I’m exercising my lifelong right to ignore him when it matters most.
With love and gratitude,
Jay’s twin-the one who stole the good heart 🤍
