Jason Koontz Medical Fund
Donation protected
Jason Koontz was born with ALGS or Alagille Syndrom. This is a genetic disorder that affects the liver, heart, kidney, and other parts of the body. One of the major features of Alagille Syndrome is liver damage caused by abnormalities in the bile ducts. These ducts carry bile (which helps to digest fats) form the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine. The estimated prevalence of Alagille Sydrome is 1 in every 100,000 live births.
Over the past few years he has had serious liver issues in regards to it shutting down. Last year he was being tested at Jacksonville Mayo Clinic and they told him that he would eventually need a liver transplant, hopfully not for another 10 years. One year later he is now in and out of the ER while his mother is driving him back and forth to Jacksonville Mayo Clinic for check-ups. In the last two weeks Jason has been admitted to the Palm Bay ER 3 times while inbetween check-ups at the Jacksonville Mayo Clinic.
The most recent update as of today is that Jason's liver is failing, he has a blockage, Ascites (fluid in the stomach)and his gallblader needs to be removed as well. He can not go under surgery due to his liver and body can not handle the procedures and he may not survive them. As of right now doctors are going to try and see if his body will be able to handle a Shunt liver procedure which will buy some time prior to a transplant. This procedure could also have a chance it won't process ammonia and will cause extreme confusion, as well as chance of going into deeper liver failure. If either of these occure after the Shunt then he will need an immediate transplant.
The money is needed to help with the transporation and hotel stays when Jason has appointments at the Jacksonville Mayo Clinic. The money will also be going towards his medical bills that are growing rapidly. His mother is doing the best she can with the time and money she has. I am hoping that we can all come together to help this amazing family.
Here is a picture of Jason on a good day. He has not been able to eat much but yesterday he finally had a little appetite. He has been trying to remain positive with all that is going on.
Over the past few years he has had serious liver issues in regards to it shutting down. Last year he was being tested at Jacksonville Mayo Clinic and they told him that he would eventually need a liver transplant, hopfully not for another 10 years. One year later he is now in and out of the ER while his mother is driving him back and forth to Jacksonville Mayo Clinic for check-ups. In the last two weeks Jason has been admitted to the Palm Bay ER 3 times while inbetween check-ups at the Jacksonville Mayo Clinic.
The most recent update as of today is that Jason's liver is failing, he has a blockage, Ascites (fluid in the stomach)and his gallblader needs to be removed as well. He can not go under surgery due to his liver and body can not handle the procedures and he may not survive them. As of right now doctors are going to try and see if his body will be able to handle a Shunt liver procedure which will buy some time prior to a transplant. This procedure could also have a chance it won't process ammonia and will cause extreme confusion, as well as chance of going into deeper liver failure. If either of these occure after the Shunt then he will need an immediate transplant.
The money is needed to help with the transporation and hotel stays when Jason has appointments at the Jacksonville Mayo Clinic. The money will also be going towards his medical bills that are growing rapidly. His mother is doing the best she can with the time and money she has. I am hoping that we can all come together to help this amazing family.
Here is a picture of Jason on a good day. He has not been able to eat much but yesterday he finally had a little appetite. He has been trying to remain positive with all that is going on.
Organizer and beneficiary
Emily Williams
Organizer
Melbourne, FL
Linda Koontz
Beneficiary