Help Jay and Colleen!!

Story

What happens when a small business owner experiences a personal tragedy? Who runs the business? How are the bills paid? Colleen Heidecker, stalwart small business supporter and owner of Colleen's Chocolates, and her husband are facing a personal tragedy. We, her family and friends, are asking for your support. As you may know, Jason, Colleen's partner in love and part-time employee, suffered an ischemic stroke 9 years ago. That stroke left him, well, "strokey." Jason was unable to earn an income that would help support his healing from the stroke; most employers don't allow for frequent napping and sick days that Jason needed during recovery. Fortunately for Jason, his partner in life, Colleen, runs her own amazing chocolatier business - Colleen's Chocolates! Colleen hired Jason so he could earn some income while recovering from the first stroke. This was a blessing because Jason would have an employer who was understanding of his schedule and the need for naps or resets in between shifts; those rests deeply necessary to offset the post-stroke fatigue that would creep up after a few hours of wakefulness. On June 11th, 2025, Jason suffered a second stroke. Jason is ALIVE, thankfully! However, both sides of his body have suffered from this stroke. Unfortunately, after nearly two weeks of significant medical interventions in the Neurology ward, Jason's physicians are still struggling to get ahead of underlying issues that could lead to another stroke or brain bleed. With both sides of Jason's brain affected, the 'strokey' symptoms, like exhaustion and continuous high blood pressure, are hindering his ability to progress with rehab. Colleen finds herself at the hospital around the clock, nurturing and caring for Jason. Further, she has lost her only employee (who she lovingly refers to as her Oompa Loompa). Colleen's Chocolates has stopped production and, consequently, income has ceased for both Jason and Colleen. What do small business owners do under these dire circumstances? Fold their business? Go into massive debt? Endure financial hardship? We've decided to go for another option altogether. We are here to ask for your help, on behalf of Colleen and Jason. Please donate to their fund so they can continue to work on Jason's recovery without the stress of financial burdens. Funds for medical bills, loss of income, and any other support are welcome. The funds raised go directly to Colleen and Jason. Gillian Kirkland is Jason's sister and Beth Harding is friend to both Colleen and Jay.