A Hero in the Midst of Tragedy - Update on Jayden

It is with broken hearts that we share the latest update on Jayden.

After exhaustive efforts by the medical team at OHSU, doctors have determined that Jayden has no brain activity. In the midst of unimaginable grief, his mother, Aisha Mayers, and their family have made the incredibly brave and selfless decision to donate his organs, so that others may live. Jayden’s body will remain on ventilators for a few more days while donation preparations are made.

At just 15 years old, Jayden will become a hero—saving lives even in death.

Aisha has served this community as a volunteer firefighter and EMT with the Applegate Fire District, balancing that service with raising three sons as a single mother. She has given so much to others—and now, in this time of heartbreaking loss, we are asking for your help to give back to her.

Our request for financial assistance continues. In the coming days and weeks, Aisha and her two surviving sons will need help covering funeral expenses and essential living costs, especially as Aisha remains at OHSU with Jayden and begins to navigate life after this unimaginable tragedy.

If you are able, please consider donating or sharing this campaign. Your support—whether financial, emotional, or spiritual—means the world to this family and their fire district family.

Thank you for standing with Aisha, Jayden, and all those who love them.

#JaydenStrong #AHandUpForAisha #OrganDonationHero #ApplegateFireFamily

We are the Applegate Valley Fire District, and we are raising funds to support one of our own—Volunteer Firefighter Aisha Mayers—whose 15-year-old son, Jayden, suffered a life-threatening brain aneurysm on the night of May 30th.

Jayden, the eldest of three brothers, was airlifted to Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) and remains in critical condition. His path forward is uncertain, and Aisha has stepped away from her responsibilities to remain at his bedside. Her family now faces significant financial strain due to medical expenses, travel, lodging, meals, and lost income.

Aisha began her service with the Applegate Fire District as a volunteer in 2021. Since then, she has earned her NFPA Firefighter I, NFPA Driver/Operator, and NWCG Firefighter Type 2 (Wildland Firefighter) certifications, and she has also obtained her EMT license. She has proudly served in nearly every capacity within the district—Volunteer Firefighter, Student Firefighter, Seasonal Firefighter, Resident Firefighter, and most recently, Recruitment and Retention Coordinator. In that role, she has organized community events, led public outreach efforts, and supported the next generation of volunteers.

What makes her service even more extraordinary is that she has done all of this while raising three young sons as a single mother. Aisha is a warrior—someone who gives her all, supports her community, and never asks for anything in return.

“Aisha is a vibrant, compassionate, and committed member of our team. She has given so much of herself to this district and to the people we serve. Now that she’s facing every parent’s worst nightmare, we want to lift her up in every way we can. Please consider joining us in supporting her family during this incredibly difficult time.”

— Chris Wolfard, Fire Chief, Applegate Valley Fire District

We are not seeking a handout for Aisha—we are seeking a hand up. Every donation will go directly to her and her family to help ease the burden of this crisis. Thank you for standing with Aisha, Jayden, and their family in this time of deep need.