Donate to assist in Jay's recovery

This past Tuesday 5/16 Jay went to the ER for what he thought was food poisoning related. It turned out he was septic, cellulitis in his right leg & foot, and a slew of other potential complications. He was admitted to Rush Copley ICU step down unit will be there until at least the beginning of next week.

The Cellulitis / infection still is not completely under control after four antibiotics and a potential of surgery may be necessary to prevent permanent muscle damage in his leg.

Below is a recent update Facebook post from Michelle (his wife)

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Friday 5/19 11am

Jay: Nope, he's not ok. The infection in his leg is spreading again. He's due for surgery today after an MRI and an Ortho consult. He has had nothing to eat or drink since midnight, so send good vibes. He's in some decent pain and needing opiods to manage it. He's on vanko, clynda, and now cefepime for antibiotics. He's not leaving the hospital at least until next week.

Me: No I'm not ok. On the verge of an absolute mental and emotional breakdown.

Do we need anything: No, not really, unless you would like to drop off food or have dinner delivered. I haven't been home to cook. I have some amazing kids who are holding themselves together. The oldest at home, thankfully, is being an awesome older sibling by managing the house and making sure the littles are taken care of.

How can you help: If you would like, you can drop off food or have food delivered for the kids, since I haven't been home to cook. You can DM for our address. Financially, I'm fawked. I have no PTO to cover the days I've taken off and will need to take off in the future. I've already requested FMLA paperwork. But here is my zelle and venmo info if you would like:

ZELLE: [email redacted]

VENMO: @michelleromano16

I'll be at High Heels Saloon in Somonauk tonight behind the bar so come hang out, have drinks, and throw me a few $$ to help me pay mine

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Today he seemed in good spirits, other than the pain, and more importantly the unknown of what caused this as well as the treatment and future outcome. MRI was this afternoon 5/19 however it still needs to be reviewed (Sat 5/20) before determining if surgery is immediately necessary.

As Michelle mentioned, this has been a mental, emotional, and financial strain on their family. Children missing their dad being home. If you know Jay, you know he'd lend a hand any day of the week. Let's help support his family through this time. If you are able to contribute even $5-10, it would be greatly appreciated.

***Saltwater/Reefing Community***

We are a tight-knit family. We all know Jay would bend over to help any of us. He is also an enormous part of BLC. He makes the store run smoothly. Even his kids help to clean tanks to keep things looking great for you guys. To be frank, if it wasn’t for Jay, BLC may not even exist. Jay was one of the main people that helped get me into this hobby and set up my first tank nearly 15years ago. Let’s make this happen. Toss is family a few bucks to ease the stress. Allow Michelle’s to be able to take off an extra shift (from her numerous jobs) to be able to spend more time with Jay or at home with the kids.

If you’re able to make any contribution, you will receive a BLC livestock credit for 50% of your contribution. (IE: Donate $20, get $10 back. Donate $100, get $50 back).

I have linked this GoFundMe directly to their bank account, so any contributions be automatically deposited. Michelle has also listed her zelle & Venmo if you’d like to use that method. Whichever method, please shoot me a quick screen shot via FB/BLC email, etc and we’ll get your credit issued.

If you are not local, you are absolutely able to contribute to the dude that likely bagged your frags or packed your order. We can create a website coupon code for your credit.