Prayers 4 JJ

JJ spent the last month or so going through various treatments and/or diagnosis to determine the cause of a lot of ups and downs with his health. On New Year’s Eve he was admitted to the University of Washington Medical Center with problems with his (artificial) valve that was causing a fluid backup into his lungs.

After 9 nights in the Cardiac ICU, spent with an amazing staff of doctors and nurses who worked endlessly to reduce the fluid levels and perform the needed tests to determine the best solution, JJ underwent heart surgery bright & early January 9th to replace his heart valve.

While the valve replacement itself was successful, JJ was more sick than initially thought, and his lungs and kidneys were left with a lot of healing to do. JJ was transferred to the Cardiothoracic ICU after surgery where the surgical team and attending doctors opted to keep him under sedation (ongoing since surgery on Jan 9th) and utilize an ECMO machine to pump and oxygenate his blood outside the body, allowing the heart and lungs to rest and recover until strong enough to do it on their own.

So, now the question becomes, ‘What can you do to help?’

Trish hasn’t left JJ’s side for much more than a minute since arriving on the 31st, and with not working - the ongoing costs of living in a hospital (i.e., parking, gas, food, etc.) are definitely taking their toll. Yet the bills at home keep compiling, and the savings keeps dwindling. While many family members & friends have already stepped up to provide meals, emotional and even some financial support, the family could definitely use you’re help on a MUCH larger scale.

At this point, we’re uncertain about how long the hospital stay (and time off work) will be, and even once home – the needs will continue, as the normal recovery time for JJ will be somewhere in the 3-4 month range (with constant care required), as well as replacement costs for everything from the foods he’ll eat, to the bed he’ll sleep in, and chair where he'll sit.

Can you help? Donate what you can!  Then continue to send prayers, well-wishes, positive thoughts, healing vibes – whatever you’ve got – to JJ and the entire family during this time!