Help Jonathan Recover and Stay Afloat After Emergency Heart

Greetings. My name is Jonathan R. Wade. I’m a father, a mental health professional, and someone who is usually the one helping others—but now I’m the one in need of support.

Over the last few weeks, my life has taken a turn I never expected. About two and a half weeks ago, I began experiencing troubling symptoms—shortness of breath, intense pressure in my chest, and fatigue that left me unable to function. I was admitted to the hospital, where doctors discovered I had pericarditis—a dangerous inflammation of the sac surrounding my heart. The buildup of fluid had gotten so severe that it was compressing my heart and putting my organs at risk of failure.

On Tuesday of this past week, I underwent a procedure to drain the fluid from around my heart. I’m currently still hospitalized, recovering with a drainage tube still in place. Although the worst has passed, I’m now faced with a slow and careful recovery process that has left me physically limited and unable to return to work right away.

As someone who just recently started at District 19 Community Services Board, I haven’t been employed long enough to qualify for FMLA or short-term disability. I’ve already exhausted all my leave during my initial hospitalization, and now, because of how payroll works, I won’t receive another paycheck for at least 2 to 4 weeks, even once I return to work.

In addition, I work a second job in Mental Health Skill-Building. But that work requires me to be physically present, drive between multiple locations, and interact closely with others, which I simply can’t do right now due to the nature of my recovery. So, I have no supplemental income coming in.

Like many, I’ve used my credit cards to stay afloat during the last few weeks, and now those limits are maxed out. I’m trying to cover:

I have mortgage and utilities, a car loan, a phone bill, credit accounts, groceries, gas, and household expenses.

And most importantly, my children's needs when they are in my care.

Why I’m Asking for Help:

I request help covering basic bills and living expenses during this unexpected recovery period. This is not something I take lightly. I’ve worked hard to provide for myself and my children, but I simply cannot do it alone.

If you can give, no matter the amount, you would be helping me keep my head above water while I heal and get back to doing the work I love—helping others heal.

Thank you for reading this and for supporting me in any way you can—even if it’s just by sharing this with someone who might be able to help.

With Love,

Jonathan W.

If you'd prefer to give directly, you can do so here: https://cash.app/$MrJRWade