Our dad, Jay, has always been the kind of person who works hard, puts others first, and never sits still. Unfortunately, that dedication to working nonstop has taken a serious toll on his health.

Dad was recently diagnosed with heart failure, atrial fibrillation (AFib), and a 5.2 cm ascending aortic aneurysm — a critical condition that requires open-heart surgery within the next 3–4 months. His doctors have made it clear he cannot keep working right now. They need him to rest and rebuild his strength so his heart function improves before surgery, giving him the best chance for a successful recovery.

While he will receive partial pay through short-term disability, it is already stressing him out between his living expenses and significant medical bills. In addition to his hospital and ICU stay (with a deductible of $7,000), he is working with an integrative heart failure specialist to give him every possible chance of healing — which insurance does not cover, adding another $9,000 out of pocket.

If you know Dad, you know he would never ask for help himself. That’s why I’m putting this together on his behalf — to ease his stress so he can focus on resting and healing without worrying about finances. Every contribution will go directly to supporting his medical care and day-to-day needs while he prepares for surgery.

Many of you have asked, “How can I help?” — this is one way. We’d also love book suggestions, TV shows, movies, or music recommendations to keep him company while he takes this much-needed time to recover.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for any support, encouragement, or prayers you can offer. It means so much to know that Dad has a community standing behind him, helping him get through this and on to better health.

❤️ With gratitude,

Gracie