HELP JARRETT GET THE LIFESAVING HEART SURGERY HE DESPERATELY NEEDS

Our son Jarrett is 18 years old, full of potential and dreams—dreams that have been put on hold as he faces a life-threatening heart condition.

Just a few months ago, Jarrett was a track star at Vallivue High School, running the 400m at the Oregon Relays and representing his school at State. He was preparing to start college at BSU this fall, excited for the future like every young adult should be.

But today, he struggles to walk down the block without chest pain and shortness of breath.

JARRETT NEEDS OPEN HEART SURGERY TO SURVIVE

Jarrett has a leaking aortic valve—a condition that doctors say will not allow him to make it to 20 without surgery. We are now working with a top cardiac team at UW Medical Center in Seattle to determine the best path forward. He may need one of two very complex procedures:

The David V procedure, which may allow them to repair his valve.

The Ross procedure with the Seattle Shawl, which would involve replacing the valve completely.

Doctors are still determining whether Jarrett’s valve has two or just one leaflet—normal hearts have three. If it turns out to be a unicuspid valve, it can’t be repaired—it will have to be replaced.

THE COSTS ARE OVERWHELMING

We are starting this GoFundMe to raise support for:

Surgery and medical expenses not covered by insurance

Travel, lodging, and meals during our time in Seattle (Ronald McDonald House is not available due to hospital restrictions)

Help with bills at home while we are away

Ongoing care, as this will not be Jarrett’s only heart surgery—his doctors say he will need at least one more in the future

We are doing everything we can to give Jarrett the chance to live a long, full life. We’re holding on to that hope with everything we have.

HE'S MISSING MILESTONES NO TEEN SHOULD HAVE TO MISS

Jarrett has had to give up everything a teenager looks forward to:

He deferred college.

He left multiple jobs because his heart couldn’t keep up.

He watches from the sidelines as his friends move forward with their lives.

It breaks our hearts to see him worrying about whether he’ll live long enough to go to college, or if he’ll be able to afford it after all of this.

WE NEED YOUR HELP

We never imagined we’d be in this position—asking for help so publicly. But we cannot do this alone. We have another child, who is also navigating health issues and requires ongoing care.

One sick child is heartbreaking. Two is unimaginable.

But like any parent, we will keep fighting with everything we have to get them the care they need.

Please, if you can—donate to Jarrett’s fundraiser. No amount is too small. Every single share, prayer, and dollar matters.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing with our family during the hardest chapter of our lives.