In January 2022, Jerry was first hospitalized with septic shock, a system-wide infection that attacks the organs. He had previously been to the doctor multiple times and was given antibiotics that his body resisted. He even went to the ER before January and was turned away due to a lack of beds.

He was comatose for nearly a month while doctors tried to find and stop the spread of the infection, but by the time they did, it had already impacted his heart, liver, kidney, and brain.

In the summer, doctors decided he needed to undergo pacemaker surgery. The surgery is usually routine, but due to the extensive organ damage, this surgery was hazardous. While the surgery was initially deemed a success, it didn’t last long as doctors realized they needed to redo it to put in a more powerful device. A second pacemaker surgery occurred.

Following that second surgery, Jerry briefly returned home before needing to be admitted back into the ICU in CPMC San Francisco, where he remains, battling an infection. And awaiting the chance of a transplant.

His wife, Mary, has been at his side every step of the way, advocating for him and offering supportive care, along with his children. Traveling back and forth to the city for most of the year has been challenging and costly. Any donation, no matter how small, is greatly appreciated. Thank you!!