Help "Santa" aka Jay Rumple, The Man with a Heart

Jay Rumple, a man with a heart, affectionately known as "Santa" to many, is a cherished TV Production teacher at South Fort Myers High School who brings joy and inspiration to everyone he meets. On a recent school day, Jay experienced a serious heart event while teaching. Thankfully, he chose to come to work that day despite feeling unwell; if he had stayed home, he would have been alone and might not have survived.

Emergency medical care revealed significant blockages in his arteries, with his LAD, RCA, and proximal arteries obstructed between 70-99%. He is now awaiting a surgical consult, with bypass surgery likely needed due to the severity of the blockages and other ongoing health concerns.

Jay’s impact on the Wolfpack community is immeasurable. He’s not only the embodiment of holiday cheer during the festive season but also a daily source of positivity, kindness, and guidance in his classroom. Students and colleagues alike adore him for his dedication, humor, and big-hearted spirit.

Jay and his wife are proud parents of four children, and this unexpected health crisis will undoubtedly bring a financial strain. The medical bills, surgeries, and ongoing treatments will be costly, and we want to come together to support this incredible man who has given so much to all of us.

We’re calling on the South Fort Myers community and beyond to rally around Jay and his family during this difficult time. Every donation, no matter the size, will help cover medical expenses and support his recovery journey.

Let’s show Jay the love and gratitude he has always shown us. Thank you for helping Santa get back to spreading joy and making a difference in the lives of so many.

**Donate today and share this fundraiser with others who know and love Jay!**

Update 1/23/25: Jay’s surgery is officially scheduled for February 17th. The doctors are using this time to get him as strong as possible beforehand, ensuring he goes in prepared and comes out even stronger. He will be undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft surgery.

In the meantime, Jay has chosen to continue teaching for the next two weeks, with a substitute in the room as backup if he needs to step out. His commitment to his students, even in the face of such a major procedure, is a testament to his dedication. This is exactly why he and his family deserve our unwavering support. Let’s continue to rally around them!