J WEBB HORTON

Team J. Webb Fundraisers:

Frank Bova, Butch Perchan, Judy Emens are organizing this fundraiser on behalf of J. Webb Horton.

FGCU Eagle. Coach. Athlete. Sports Broadcaster. Administrator. Motivational Speaker. Actor. Singer. Student Advocate. Community Leader. Ally for the Underserved. Basketball and Tennis Encyclopedia. Fundraiser. Philanthropist. Team Member. University Colleague. Supervisor. Mentor. Congregant. Collaborator. Partner. Connector. Problem Solver. Uncle. Son. Brother. Friend.

J. Webb Horton, Assistant Director of FGCU’s Office of Community Outreach, has touched the lives of so many and with lasting impact. He walks the walk when it comes to Paying It Forward. Now the man who he has so readily given his time, energy, advice, and resources to lift others is in need of your kindness and support.

In April 2022, J Webb was diagnosed with chronic heart failure due to a leaking heart valve. Never one to slow down, one of his university colleagues tells a story that he returned her calls during this time and spent hours devising ways to get a first-generation college student in need of work experience connected to a professional opportunity for the summer. Only when she finally inquired about the various noises and beeps in the background did he disclose reluctantly that he was coordinating this effort from a hospital bed. After a short stint he was released for further home monitoring by medical staff.

On May 3rd J Webb went in for a heart valve replacement and while recovering experienced serious complications which resulted in an unanticipated open-heart surgery. He battled through three tough weeks of ICU care at Naples Community Hospital, exacerbated by a kidney decline which months later continues to require dialysis sessions three times per week. After a short stay on the floor of the hospital he progressed enough to be released to a rehab facility and continues to improve daily.

Even through the hardest moments he has made sure the NBA finals or Wimbledon was on the TV and had the facility staff help him install the ESPN app on his phone. Thanks to his expansive network of friends who have become an extended family he has been sustained up to this point (90 days and counting!) with food deliveries, cards, flowers, balloons, photos, laundry, emails, visits, calls, texts, and a genuine outpouring of caring.

The good news is that J Webb has regained enough strength to be released from the rehab facility on Monday August 8th.

It is now, as J Webb’s complex medical care needs continue with his insurance coverage leaving several critical service gaps to be covered out-of-pocket, that we are reaching out to you all for assistance.

We have his new residence covered. Carl McAloose, a longtime colleague and friend of J Webb’s has generously offered his home as a restful and comfortable place where he can return to a sense of normalcy and receive continued care. Carl is also serving as his chef so there is no doubt J Webb will be enjoying some delicious meals to get his strength back. We feel sure there will be some spaghetti and meatballs made in that kitchen as you may know that J Webb does love Italian food. Special thanks to Carl, Butch, Frank, Courtney and Mari for making sure this is a smooth transition.

Many of you as his friends, colleagues, former students, athletes, class-

mates and community contacts have been asking:

How can I help?

Please donate any amount you can and leave a message of support so that Team J. Webb can return this generosity to the man who gives so much and get Coach back to his daily life. He is fighting hard to get stronger so let’s show him that he has an amazing team right alongside him.

We know times are tough right now but even a little goes a long way when we all come together.

Share this GoFundMe with your friends, colleagues, congregations, social media connections, classmates, teammates, and everyone else you think can get the word out and rallying with Team J. Webb to reach this goal. Sharing across your networks more than once can really get the call out.

Please note that all monies donated will go to J. Webb Horton.

Your continued support, care, and kindness will no doubt make the difference, it already has helped us get this far. THANK YOU.

Respectfully, Frank, Butch, Judy, and Courtney aka Team J. Webb

To read more about the lasting impacting and positive influence J. Webb Horton has had on our community see the FGCU 360 article ‘J. Webb: A champion for diversity, first-generation students’.