
Help Jack Russell's Widow, Heather, Rebuild
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Dear Friends, Family, and Kind-hearted Strangers,
My name is Julian Lee Wynne, and for 37 years, Jack Russell and I were best friends. His wife, Heather, has been like a sister to me. Today, I’m writing to share her story, her struggles, and the incredible strength she has shown in the face of unimaginable loss.
After Jack’s passing, Heather’s needs became immediate and dire as she struggles to take care of her own health as well as her young son.
Jack and Heather spent everything they had over the last 15 years fighting Jack’s health issues, with Heather being his sole caregiver and assisting him in battling this terrible disease to keep him doing what he loved most—performing for his beloved fans. Heather walked every step of that dark valley with him, sacrificing everything to care for the man she loved.
The disease of Lewy Body Dementia is incredibly difficult to witness as someone goes through the painful decline it brings. Heather did her best to make Jack comfortable and provide everything he needed. This took a tremendous toll on her, as she worked tirelessly only to watch his condition worsen.
Since Jack’s passing, Heather has had no financial support, nor did she receive any of the proceeds from Jack’s Celebration of Life event held at the Whisky. Every contribution—no matter the size—will make a tangible difference in Heather’s life.
Donations will help Heather cover essential expenses, including completing Jack’s final arrangements - only the cremation fee has been paid so far - the rest of the bill is still due, paying probate and legal fees, settling medical bills, securing housing and food, and providing financial stability for her and her young son. Most importantly, it will give them the foundation they need to begin healing and moving forward.
Last August, Heather lost her beloved husband, Jack, to the cruel and unforgiving diseases of Lewy Body Dementia and Multiple System Atrophy. These diseases didn’t just take Jack from her—they took her best friend, her soulmate, and the love of her life. Their love was pure and undeniable, and I was blessed to witness it. I captured the photos you see here during personal moments when their love was on full display.
One day, I told Jack that Heather was the best gift God had ever given him. He smiled at me and said, “Yeah, she’s a Godsend. She’s my angel in an earth suit.” That was the kind of love they shared—a love rooted in faith, friendship, and a divine connection. They met after a Great White show when Heather felt God whisper, “You need to take care of him,” and that’s exactly what she did. From that moment on, Heather devoted herself to Jack, and together, they built a life of joy, commitment, and memories that will last forever.
Heather is now at a crossroads, trying to rebuild her life.
This GoFundMe is our chance to show Heather that she is not alone. It’s our chance to thank her for the love and care she gave Jack, which allowed us all to enjoy his live performances for many more years. Heather gave everything for Jack, and now, in her time of need, we have the opportunity to give back to her.
Heather’s journey has been one of love, sacrifice, and resilience. Let’s come together to surround her with the same love and compassion that she so selflessly gave to Jack. Let’s help her write a new chapter—one filled with hope, healing, and the promise of brighter days ahead.
Please consider donating and sharing this campaign with others who may want to help. I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your kindness and generosity.
I know Jack would be deeply grateful to see Heather surrounded by our collective love and support, lifting her up in his absence and carrying her through this difficult time.
Job 29:13 says: I helped those without hope, and they blessed me. And I caused the widows’ hearts to sing for joy.
Isaiah 1:17 reads: Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.
God bless you all,
Julian Lee Wynne
Organizer and beneficiary
Julian Lee Wynne
Organizer
Phoenix, AZ
Heather Russell
Beneficiary