Jason's Heart Rehab & Recovery Fundraiser

On Wednesday morning May 8th, 2024, just two days after his 45th Birthday, Jason suffered a catastrophic Heart Attack. Setting in motion a flurry of Emergency events and procedures to save his life.

We have launched this GoFundMe campaign for Jason Speek to help cover the burden of medical costs & loss of income required for a minimum of three months of Disability Leave off work. Jason will be off work for his Rehab & Recovery until the doctors give him the green light.

What Started as an Ordinary Day, Ended with a Less than Ordinary Coin Toss.

While preparing for work, Jason had just made coffee before a sudden onset of painful chest pains, difficulty breathing and soaking sweats. Thankfully his partner Anthony was able to recognize the symptoms of a heart attack and immediately called 911.

Toronto EMS were on scene in less than ten minutes! As soon as the ECG electrodes where attached to his chest they immediately recognized that Jason was in STEMI (ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction). An event triggered by an artery supplying blood to the heart suddenly becoming partially or completely blocked by a blood clot.

While enroute to Toronto General Emergency, the urgency of Jason's condition became palpable! The EMS team had pre-emptively called ahead to the Emergency Cardiology team, who on arrival to the ER immediately whisked Jason onto an elevator and into the OR.

Thank God for the world class team of Emergency Medicine Cardiologists at Toronto General, who were able to quickly perform angioplasty and insert a Stent, saving Jason's life!

Following his surgery and while recovering in the Cardiology ICU, we learned that Jason had a 100% blockage of the left anterior descending artery (LAD), it's the largest coronary artery that runs anterior to the interventricular septum.

A blockage of the (LAD), is quite literally called a Widow Maker! In fact the mortality rate or 'glass half full' the survival rate is just 1 in 2. Without the swift intervention by Jason's partner Anthony calling 911, the First Responders and critically the lifesaving Emergency and Cardiology professionals at Toronto General, things could have ended very differently.

A special thanks to Jason's Mother Linda, brothers Justin & Matthew, his partner Sarah and Linda's husband Wayne & Jay's Bestie Jackie for rushing to Jason's bedside while in the ICU.

The Recovery and the Long Road Ahead.

After days in the ICU and in the Cardiology inpatient unit, the Doctors delivered the news and plan ahead for Jason's rehabilitation, recovery and eventual return to his new normal and return to work.

Jason will require a minimum of three months of rehabilitation and recovery meaning, he'll be off work until the doctors give him the green light.

With only EI Disability Benefits to support his recovery & a modest private insurance policy, there is going to be a tremendous shortfall of income to cover the costs of living/ surviving and his recovery for at least 3 months.

With the extremely high costs of living between housing, utilities and groceries, the added pressure of these additional medical costs will be impossible to keep up with.

Your Donations will help Cover the Following Expenses:

• Medical Appointments & Procedures

• Rehabilitation

• Nutritionists and Special Diet Requirements

• Pharmaceuticals and Medical Equipment

• Transportation

• Etc.,

On behalf of Jason and me, thank you deeply for your kind and generous donations. Things are so tough financially for many these days, so if you're not in a position to make a donation please LIKE, SHARE, COMMENT and help spread the word.

Yours Sincerely,

Anthony Lund in care of Jason Speek