Anyone who knows Matt and Cat Jackson knows the kind of people they are – kind, loving, and (even amidst heartbreak) always in search of joy for their two daughters Bailey and Brianna. For the Jackson’s, this past year has brought more heartbreak than one family should ever have to face. Below is a synopsis of the chapter that this family has been living in. It’s just one part of their story, but with your help, these next few chapters may hopefully be just a tad easier.

It was this month last year that, after years of fighting so bravely, Cat and Matt lost Cat’s mother to cancer. Mildred was more than just the matriarch of Cat’s family, she was a pillar in life they built for themselves and their daughter, Bailey. With Matt’s help, Cat grieved through this deep loss while in a high risk pregnancy with her second daughter, Brianna. Brianna arrived too early though, and was admitted to the NICU while Cat continued to juggle the grief she felt for the loss of her mother, and the fear of losing even more. She yearned for the comfort of her mother while Brianna fought for her life in the hospital. Through all of this stress and grief, Matt took on additional responsibilities and held the family and his wife together. It was truly a blessing that, after a month in NICU, Brianna was able to come home to a loving family, and a very excited big sister.

But then, in August, just as the Jackson’s were finding their footing again, Matt began to feel intense stomach pain. Cat reached out to me during this time, and she just knew that something terrible was on the horizon. It wasn’t pessimism or anxiety - it was a deep knowing, a warning from her nervous system, that she needed to get ready for bad news.

After several tests, it was discovered that Matt has a genetic condition called Alpha-1 Antitrypsin, which has wreaked havoc on his body. The family were just recently informed that both his liver and kidney are in end stage failure, and that he will need transplants of both organs. Matt’s body is fighting to stay alive, but his condition continues to worsen making it impossible to work. Cat has now taken the reigns and is doing her best to hold the family together by continuing to be a good Mom and wife, all while attempting to maintain their way of life.

Unfortunately, the reality is that they can’t survive on just Cat’s income. The medical and household bills continue to pile, and even through the hopeful eventual sale of their home, they find themselves in serious jeopardy of unmanageable debt.

Their goal, with any help and support that you can provide, is to sell their home and move closer to Matt’s immediate family so they can be better supported as Matt meets with his health care team to form a plan for hopeful future transplants.

Their world has been rocked this past year. Distant are the memories of library days and visits to the park; replaced with hospital visits and bed rest.

It’s not in their nature to ask for help, but any monetary support will go directly towards medical expenses, moving costs, and helping them with daily needs as they transition through this tumultuous chapter.

If you’ve read this far, thank you for hearing their story. It’s not an easy time in the world or economy right now, and sometimes it feels like there’s nothing we can do to make things better. That’s a hard feeling to sit with, but I know that I can help here. I can write this, and help my friend’s world. If you feel called to donate, please do, knowing that you are part of a real solution that will make a real difference to this wonderful family.