Meet Jon. Jon is 34 years old. He is happily married and an awesome father to their 7 year old son. He is from Lewiston, Maine. He is currently hospitalized in Boston, fighting for his life. He needs a new heart.
When he was 25 years old, he learned he had a gene that causes major heart issues like Cardiomyopathy (a disease of the heart muscle that makes it harder for the heart to pump blood to the rest of the body, which can lead to heart failure), AFIB (the most common type of arrhythmia--when the heartbeat has an abnormal rate or rhythm. This can mean it beats too slowly, too quickly, or irregularly), and other serious problems. His Mom’s grandfather died of a massive heart attack at the age of 29. His Mom developed cardiac symptoms and at the age of 43, had to have a pace maker and defibrillator put in. It was then that the doctors looked at the family history and suggested her siblings and children should be tested. Before Jon was tested, he developed his own heart symptoms and had to have a pace maker and defibrillator put in when he was 25. They were told that this condition is worse on males than females. For example, while his Mom has been able to continue working and living a relatively normal life, Jon very reluctantly had to stop working due to waxing and waning symptoms, many doctor’s appointments and long hospital stays, which impacted his ability to consistently get to work.
Since then, Jon has had further complications. Approximately 6 years ago, due to increasing symptoms, he was transferred to Boston where, after a prolonged stay, he had to have his pacemaker and defibrillator removed and another put in. He was told that his heart was severely damaged, and that eventually, he would need a heart transplant. He gradually improved and was able to resume some activities. Unfortunately, due to circulation problems, shortness of breath and fatigue, his activities have been limited. He has been unable to spend much time on his feet or walk very far. A full flight of stairs is impossible. Jon loves sports and was excited when his son took an interest and loves to watch his son play. While he loves spending all the time he can with his son (the love of his life) and watch his activities, it has been frustrating for him to have to let others teach his son to do things that he is unable to. Jon used to play drums in a band, but found he was unable to do that after getting his pacemakers. The physical exertion required was too much. Jon’s wife has been incredible, taking on more responsibilities. She works full time and takes care of their household.
A couple of months ago, Jon started having symptoms, resulting in more blood work and testing than he normally had. He ended up being hospitalized at Maine Medical Center. Shortly thereafter, he was told that he is at the point where he needs a new heart. On July 11th, he was life-flighted to a Boston hospital. Before he is able to get a new heart, his body and vitals must be stable. Unfortunately, he has had more complications, and is currently on a respirator, fighting his blood pressure and the build-up of fluid. He has an amazing team of doctors and nurses and they are doing their absolute best to give Jon a second chance at a more normal life. We’ve learned that this is a marathon, not a sprint, so getting Jon that new heart is going to take some time.
I started this Go Fund Me Page because Jon’s wife and son, parents and step parents live 3 hours away. They have been in Boston and are now there on rotating shifts so that there is always someone there with Jon while the others are home, trying to get some rest and good sleep, while also trying to work. The costs of traveling back and forth, staying overnight, food etc are quickly mounting. I’m hoping that this Page will give them the financial support they need to cover their costs so that they won’t have financial stressors to worry about on top of the major stress they are already under. I want to help them do what they need to do to be there for Jon, caring, encouraging, fighting, loving and praying for Jon to literally get his life back.
I hope you will find it in your heart to help. No amount is too small, so please contribute what you can. Together, we can make a huge difference in this family’s life.
When he was 25 years old, he learned he had a gene that causes major heart issues like Cardiomyopathy (a disease of the heart muscle that makes it harder for the heart to pump blood to the rest of the body, which can lead to heart failure), AFIB (the most common type of arrhythmia--when the heartbeat has an abnormal rate or rhythm. This can mean it beats too slowly, too quickly, or irregularly), and other serious problems. His Mom’s grandfather died of a massive heart attack at the age of 29. His Mom developed cardiac symptoms and at the age of 43, had to have a pace maker and defibrillator put in. It was then that the doctors looked at the family history and suggested her siblings and children should be tested. Before Jon was tested, he developed his own heart symptoms and had to have a pace maker and defibrillator put in when he was 25. They were told that this condition is worse on males than females. For example, while his Mom has been able to continue working and living a relatively normal life, Jon very reluctantly had to stop working due to waxing and waning symptoms, many doctor’s appointments and long hospital stays, which impacted his ability to consistently get to work.
Since then, Jon has had further complications. Approximately 6 years ago, due to increasing symptoms, he was transferred to Boston where, after a prolonged stay, he had to have his pacemaker and defibrillator removed and another put in. He was told that his heart was severely damaged, and that eventually, he would need a heart transplant. He gradually improved and was able to resume some activities. Unfortunately, due to circulation problems, shortness of breath and fatigue, his activities have been limited. He has been unable to spend much time on his feet or walk very far. A full flight of stairs is impossible. Jon loves sports and was excited when his son took an interest and loves to watch his son play. While he loves spending all the time he can with his son (the love of his life) and watch his activities, it has been frustrating for him to have to let others teach his son to do things that he is unable to. Jon used to play drums in a band, but found he was unable to do that after getting his pacemakers. The physical exertion required was too much. Jon’s wife has been incredible, taking on more responsibilities. She works full time and takes care of their household.
A couple of months ago, Jon started having symptoms, resulting in more blood work and testing than he normally had. He ended up being hospitalized at Maine Medical Center. Shortly thereafter, he was told that he is at the point where he needs a new heart. On July 11th, he was life-flighted to a Boston hospital. Before he is able to get a new heart, his body and vitals must be stable. Unfortunately, he has had more complications, and is currently on a respirator, fighting his blood pressure and the build-up of fluid. He has an amazing team of doctors and nurses and they are doing their absolute best to give Jon a second chance at a more normal life. We’ve learned that this is a marathon, not a sprint, so getting Jon that new heart is going to take some time.
I started this Go Fund Me Page because Jon’s wife and son, parents and step parents live 3 hours away. They have been in Boston and are now there on rotating shifts so that there is always someone there with Jon while the others are home, trying to get some rest and good sleep, while also trying to work. The costs of traveling back and forth, staying overnight, food etc are quickly mounting. I’m hoping that this Page will give them the financial support they need to cover their costs so that they won’t have financial stressors to worry about on top of the major stress they are already under. I want to help them do what they need to do to be there for Jon, caring, encouraging, fighting, loving and praying for Jon to literally get his life back.
I hope you will find it in your heart to help. No amount is too small, so please contribute what you can. Together, we can make a huge difference in this family’s life.