Fresh Heart 4 Trell

J’Trell has never known what it feels like to live a normal life. Throughout his life he has been unable to participate in any physical activities that you would expect from most children, teenagers and young adults. J’Trell is fighting for his life and needs your help.

On September 26th, 1998 the night before being discharged from the hospital it was discovered that J’Trell was born with a congenital heart defect, ventricular septal defect (VSD) with L transposition. Due to his heart defect at six months old he had his first major cardiac surgery. Over the course of his childhood he has had numerous heart catheterizations, cardioversions and ablations. At 9 years old J’Trell was gifted a vacation to Disney World through the “Make-A-Wish Foundation”, sadly he was unable to fully enjoy his wish due to his heart not being able to with stand too much excitement. 


J’Trell refused to let his heart defect keep him from graduating from high school and fulfilling his aspiration of becoming an independent barber. On May 11th of 2016 J’Trell graduated from Central High School. As he prepared to enter barbering school he was faced with another setback. Doctors informed him and his mother that he needed to undergo another major cardiac surgery. On July 7th 2016 at 18 years old while his peers were preparing for the their next chapter in life J’Trell was undergoing valve surgery that included 7 separate surgical procedures and lasted over 16 hours. Doctors were hopeful that this surgery would keep his heart functioning. J’Trell, still determined and more motivated than ever, proceeded to follow his dreams of going to College! On June 15, 2018 J’Trell graduated for College Of Hair Design and obtained his Barbering License! Unfortunately, his heart continued to fail and on January 15th 2019 J’Trell had to have a pacemaker to help control his abnormal heart rhythm. During this surgical procedure he suffered from an asthma attack and coded. After being revived and once out of surgery he then had multiple seizures. It was determined at that point his only chance of survival was to receive a new heart. On February 1st, 2019 J’Trell was place on the National Organ Transplant list. 

J’Trell left the hospital feeling optimistic with the hopes of getting a second chance at life. After less than two months with his new pacemaker while at home he fainted and was rushed back to the hospital. Doctors were unsure why he fainted and performed an emergency heart catheterization and uncovered that his heart was no longer functioning at level that was safe enough for him to remain at home. It was determined that he must stay in the hospital indefinitely until he receives a new heart. 

J’Trell, his mother and family were devastated to learn that he would be unable to return home.  J’Trell just wants to live a normal life. As you could imagine this news has placed a great strain on both J’Trell and his family. As a young 20 year old he’s unable to return to work as a barber. His loving mother who has always been a provider for her family is also unable to work as she must remain in the hospital to care for her youngest child. The family is now solely depending on the income of his supportive stepfather and his caring grandmother who’s on a fixed income. Without an end in sight J’Trell and his family needs your support to help cover daily living expenses. Your financial contribution would help to elevate less stress on J’Trell and his family. Please know that no amount is too small and your support and generosity is greatly appreciated.