Get Jay Piccarreto Strong!

Glynis Byrne and I were inspired to create the #jaypicstrong account for Jay Piccarreto after so many of you reached out when the unexpected and devastating news started to spread.  

On Tuesday, March 9th my brother Jay was brought to the hospital by ambulance, unconscious & unresponsive.  He had suffered a stroke.  They performed surgery to try to remove the blood clot but it was unsuccessful.  He didn’t get there soon enough ~ he missed the time-frame.  His right side now paralyzed and he is experiencing global aphasia which affects his speech.          

Three days later he suffered a second stroke.  They found his heart had a leaky valve and infection which spread from the heart into the blood stream.  This caused the clots and strokes.  He needed open-heart surgery to replace the valve or he would continue having strokes.    

The surgery was successful and his new valve is working great!  Finally some good news!  He’s still on antibiotics for the infection in his heart but it’s no longer in the bloodstream.  We’re moving in the right direction!  The doctor said he is young, strong and he believes he can still make progress. 

And so do I, with all my heart.  So, anticipating Jay’s future needs, (like rehab) and the additional expenses, I opened an account to help get #jaypicstrong started.  I wanted to make it easy for people to help.  I used to be called “Jay’s Sister”.  No-one knew my name, but they knew his!  We were inseparable and he’s always been there for me.  Now I need to be there for him. 

The goal is to help the people who want to help Jay!  And this was our way.  There’s still lots of questions.  Not many answers yet!  We know there will be rehab.  Other decisions we will make along the way.  Until then, we have hope, prayer and faith.  Because we know Jay.    

Many of you shared the love of riding, friendship and brotherhood with Jay over the years.  Time fortifies and strengthens bonds like that, especially in times like this.  YOU inspired #jaypicstrong with every phone call, prayer, memory & story you shared and offer to help.  

My brother has no idea how many lives he has touched. 

Glynis and I are inviting you to be on his team to make him strong again. 

#jaypicstrong.  Strong enough to get through this.  Strong enough to come home. 

Please share this with friends, family and others who can help Jay.  Thank you!!  We love you all!