JD's Fight for a New Heart

As some of you know, my brother JD has been struggling with his health. On October 8th, after not feeling so well, JD went to an instacare who then took him by ambulance to an ER. It was discovered he had congestive heart failure. After a small stay there, he was released with some medications and told he will live a relatively normal life. However, soon after, he started to vomit continuously and was so weak he couldn’t walk. He went to Riverton ER on October 20th where it was discovered he had blood clots in his lungs. Riverton then sent him to IMC. No one could figure out what was causing the heart failure and quick decline. He was then admitted to the ICU at IMC and they ran a myriad number of tests. It was discovered that he had Non compaction Myocardial Myopathy, a rare heart condition that is likely genetic. Along with that, he also had a blood clot in his heart. They were able to give him medication which helped and after over a week, he was released to go home. He had a lot of new meds and would need a lot of follow up. Things then went from bad to worse. JD went to a follow up on November 6th and passed out. It was discovered that his heart was worse than before and he needed a heart transplant. He was at a level two which meant he had to stay in the hospital until he received a heart which could be up to 3 months. JD finishes his tests tomorrow, November 11th, to see if he is a candidate.

As you can imagine, this has been a total shock to all of the family. We are still trying to process how fast this happened and what it means. Best case scenario, JD is a candidate, receives his heart and then is on significant restrictions for over a year.

We appreciate everyone that has already been contributing and praying for our family. It’s been a struggle for all of us to pray for something that means devastation to another family.

There is a long road ahead for JD and his family. They are trying to find the balance between having some normal for the kids while his wife spends as much time as she can at the hospital. They are grappling with the fact that if things go the way we are hoping, their holidays will be in the hospital and their world will revolve around the hospital for the foreseeable future.

Many have reached out asking what they can do. JD doesn’t take easy to asking for help. We know so many are struggling during this time of year. However, we know there is a long road of: medical bills, food on the go and many other financial obligations. Here are ways we thought they could use some support:

-Food train/dinners for Steph and the kids on weeknights

-Care packages of things that might keep JD occupied at the hospital

-Cleaning services for the house

-Gas gift cards

-Activities for his son and daughter. His son is 10 and likes: gaming, crafts, cooking and activity places (ninja gym, bowling, arcade). His daughter is 16 and enjoys typical teenage girl things

-Monetary donations

-Prayers

All money will go directly to JD and his family. You can reach out to me (JD’s sister Katie) for other questions or contributions through this platform. While JD and his family work through this, we ask for privacy for them. I will provide updates on here as we receive them and again, am happy to answer any questions.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts and hold your loved ones close.

Katie McBride and Family