My name is Jerry Felix and I am raising money and awareness for "Hearts for Jose". A fundraising effort to help my best friend Jose Santos pay for his extensive medical bills that have accumulated for the past several months while he has been hospitalized.

"HEARTS FOR JOSE"

Jose Santos is more than a chef—he is a husband, a father, a friend, and a man who has spent his life bringing joy to others.

Born in Lisbon, Portugal on July 27, 1980, Jose came to the United States at 16 in search of a better life. He built that life through hard work, graduating from Shea High School and discovering his passion for cooking—a gift he has used to make people smile every single day.

For the past 18 years, Jose has been a beloved part of the St. George’s School community in Newport, RI. To him, it’s always been about the people—the students, faculty, and families he considers part of his extended family.

But above all, Jose is a family man. He is a devoted husband to Margie of 20 years and a proud father to Blake, Chase, and Gavin. Their home is filled with energy, sports, laughter, and love.

Everything Changed Overnight

On January 17, 2026, what seemed like an asthma attack turned into a life-altering emergency.

Jose was diagnosed with a severe, previously undetected heart condition—critical aortic stenosis. A condition he was born with, but remained undetected until his aorta had enlarged to three times its normal size, placing him at imminent risk of rupture. He was in heart failure with his heart only functioning at 10%.

He underwent a high risk and emergent surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital to repair his heart, aorta, and heart valves. While the surgery was successful, what followed has been a relentless battle with severe complications causing major setbacks.

Jose has endured:

* Blood clots

* Kidney failure

* Internal bleeding

* Fluid around his heart and lungs

* Severe malnutrition (now 122 lbs, down from 160)

Despite everything, his heart has not recovered.

Today, Jose is fighting for his life—awaiting a new heart and kidney transplant.

How You Can Help

Jose has been hospitalized for 75 days. Each day in the hospital brings mounting medical expenses. Jose and his family need our help.

We are setting a goal of $50,000 to help ease the overwhelming financial burden of lifesaving care.

Any donation—big or small—makes a difference.

Through all of this, Jose has remained cheerful and optimistic. His driving force is getting back his life. His life with his family. His life at St Georges. His life making people smile.

Jose has a message he would like to convey to everyone:

"Make sure you get yourself checked every year. You think you’re fine—but you may not be.”

To the students of St Georges:

“Thank you for making me smile. I hope to be there to watch you graduate.”

To his colleagues:

“I miss you and hope to see you next school year.”

And inspired by one of his favorite actors, Arnold Schwarzenegger:

“I’LL BE BACK.”

What Jose Misses Most since being in the hospital:

* Seeing his wife and kids every morning

* A hot shower

* Sleeping in his own bed

* Being at home

* Home-cooked meals

The simple things we often take for granted.

Let’s Come Together

Our Rhode Island and Massachusetts communities are strong, compassionate, and generous.

Now is the time to show Jose and his family they are not alone.

Join us. Share his story. Give what you can.

Be part of “HEARTS FOR JOSE.”

Together, we can help bring him home.

Thank you for your Generosity.