Support Jason’s Journey to Recovery

Getting lots of fresh air- it really is healing ❤️‍

https://gofund.me/621c19a8

**Updates below **

Hi, I’m Lori and Jason (pictured) is my boyfriend. You might call him Superman.

His sister Megan journaled the entire journey from the awful beginning while he was in surgery to yesterday when he came home. I’m going to use her highlights to help tell the story.

*Jason update 1❤️‍

Today can KICK IT!

My older brother Jason had a very rough day and can use all the prayers or good vibes you have. He went to the ER for what he thought was a heart attack this morning, which then actually ended up being an Aortic Dissection (see pic below) and was transported to IU Methodist where he underwent emergency open-heart surgery. The surgeon gave him a 50-50 chance. We have since heard of multiple people that know someone who either died before or on the operating table. Doc said he is so lucky he came in when he did and everything for him ended up being the 'best case scenario' once she got in there, which she was thrilled for. After hearing they grafted this, fixed that, and his vessels in his upper chest/neck are fixed because they shattered too... I am just like HOLY HELL!! BUUUUT, after a 6-hour surgery, everything is fixed and he is resting up. Still sedated, on a vent, but slowly being brought out of sedation through the night. He has a gnarly incision he hasn't even seen yet. He'll hate how many of us were there fussing over him today, but lucky for him he is loved. I can't wait for him to be awake tomorrow. Keep fighting J!❤️‍

*Jason update 2- see previous post if needed.

❤️‍ He has a 'cough' heart pillow that we all can sign. How cute!❤️‍ (Might be cute, but it is a lifesaver and has more purpose than many people on earth have).

Jason is off the vent now and doing well on his own. Following commands and knows us, but doesn't quite remember yesterday. Mom explained why he was there. Probably a lot foggy right now but as the day goes it'll get better. He is doing as he should and getting lots of mini naps and resting. Lori brought his pillow and blanket from home; nothing is better than that! We can already tell how bored he is when he's awake. He does not sit still well, but he's about to learn to. Keep the well wishes coming. They are much appreciated. Several more days here, but he is moving in all the right directions.❤️

-skipping ahead a few days-

* Jason update 4❤️‍

Let these pictures speak to you!!

What an incredible day Jason had. Don't even know where I'd start, but LORD, STRIDES WERE MADE. TY!

He graduated from them talking about almost maybe having to intubate again yesterday to NO BREATHING HELP by tonight. From no food to soft solids. Dinner was meatloaf w/gravy, mashed taters, peaches & ice chips. Woop! He is also above a whisper, 'yelling' out to his nurse, seems to be having fun when he can and our Jason is coming back slowly. The staff is prepared. IYKYK

Also sat in the chair 3 times today and did about 8 minutes of occupational therapy-5 of which were standing up.

Annnnnd SLEEP. OUT. TIRED. DONE!! Until tomorrow. KEEP THAT SHIT UP J!!!

Leaps & Bounds! Steady & Strong! Keep those prayers and well wishes coming. They are working!!

*

Jason update 6❤️‍

Nothing major today. Which is good too! Low key day, but he needed that as he is very determined to do all of the work needed to be able to go home. And at this rate, he may skip moving outta ICU to a regular room and just go home, never know. This man is ready to be OUT!

He had four laps around today and a lot of relaxing in his chair. You can see him coming out to pick Lori up in the waiting room for their day date. (See pic)

His friend Rick visited and then Brandon & Steph came up to visit too. He is making phone calls and chatting with the family that can't be there in this moment. Just a wholesome day for him. We'll take it!!!

Eladio(see pic) is back on tonight, so at least he has one of his favorites again.

And while all of you can't physically sign his heart pillow, just know you have. You've been there for him and us and we are thrilled now to share this healing journey with you. Cause if you know J, you know he'll be better than he was before❤️

Keep Fighting J. Steady & Strong.

*Jason update 9❤️‍

Simply put, HE IS HOME!! Alive, well & home!!

All follow-up appointments scheduled✅️

All medications filled✅✅️️ (there are lots)

Bidet getting installed tomorrow✅️✅️✅️

The car ride home went fine, no pain, but in true Jason (and Matt & I) fashion, we passenger princesses get car sick easy‍♀️. Luckily it had nothing to do with the surgery and it was minor, but he's gonna have to get used to that for the weeks to come. #nodriving. Then sat outside, enjoyed the beautiful weather we were graced with and finished the night up watching a movie with Lori. Lots of rest & relaxation ahead. We're so proud of you Jason! Now follow the doctor's orders and be a lazy daisy with the correct amount of exercise needed. *Call me if you need help learning to be lazy☎️ Steady & Strong!

That brings me to this being my final update for Jason & our family. Our family asked for emergency prayers & well wishes and y'all did not disappoint. And that meant keeping you all up to date as well. You were here in our clutch and WE ALL THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS FOR THAT. We will be sure to pay that forward when asked!! I know Jason is overwhelmed, in all the best ways possible, and thank you from him probably doesn't say enough.

I leave this post with a happy & grateful heart. Annnnd I hope we don't meet again like this, ever! #saidwithlove✌️

XOXO

Today-Jason is home, showered, and finally back in his bed where he belongs. He will be at home for three or four months, as he has to fully recover to be able to go back and do his job. Jason is a certified surgical technologist, and he works very hard supporting the surgical team, such as the very one that just saved his life. While Jason does not expect to lead an extravagant life while he is recovering, it would be very helpful for him to not have to stress, worry, or add to his already high level of anxiety by having to figure out how to pay bills in order to have a home and a vehicle once he is able to return to work. Jason also now has a heart-healthy diet, which requires specific foods in order to make sure that his heart remains strong and he is as healthy as possible to avoid a reoccurrence.

Update straight from Jason: Good afternoon friends and family.

Lori & my sister have been posting updates on my status since this whole situation occurred two weeks ago. I have been mainly staying in the background.

Today I just wanted to check in, take a moment and say "Thank you" to everyone and for the support that has been shown towards my family & I during this situation that has happened. I know alot of people have reached out to me, and I have done the best I can to reply,

but the brain fog, things getting overwhelming really fast, to the point sometimes I have to walk away, doesn't makes things happen as fast as I want them to.

I also still have a weak voice and nerve damage in my left hand from the surgery that will hopefully go away, but sometimes it restricts me from getting things completed, or responding in a timely manner.

P.S...there was no bright lights! The stage had a blue silhouette on it and the restraints they passed out for the concert sucked

*******After first follow-up appt. We now know that Jason is healing beautifully. Super clear lungs. Next week she says he can try to start driving short distances. He will have some life changes to make- but that is a small price to pay! We have heard SO. MANY. stories that did not turn out as blessed as Jason's! He still won't be working any time soon, but slow and steady and he should be back to mostly normal activity.

Thank you to everyone that is invested in his story.