JAY’S FIGHT FOR RECOVERY
Hi folks, after a discussion with David Liddiard OAM and permission from Jay’s sister Joedie Lawler, David and I have decided to set up a fundraiser for Jay and his family to support them to get through the next part of Jay’s fight for recovery. All funds raised go directly to Jay and his family.
Here is Jay’s story
Not many people within our community know that Jay Davis is battling an extremely rare heart condition called Amyloidosis (AL), which is also a blood cancer. Jay suffered a stroke in March this year, and despite medication his condition deteriorated. The AL had attacked his heart and destroyed the tissue. Traditional treatments for heart disease were ruled out due to sustained damage to Jay’s heart.
On the 16 August, Jay suffered a cardiac arrest and had to be revived. Doctors stabilised Jay the following day and, after a week in ICU, was airlifted to St Vincents hospital in Sydney.
That night, Jay tragically lost his beloved mum.
Following this, doctors commenced Chemotherapy after a definitive cancer diagnosis for AL.
On the 24 August, the date of his beautiful mother’s birthday, Jay’s wife gave birth to their daughter in Taree, while Jay watched on via Zoom to be present for the birth.
Following this, Jay suffered a series of cardiac episodes and had to be revived on a number of times. Doctors advised that these resuscitations couldn’t continue because of the impact on his body and heart.
After almost two weeks, Jays wife, Danielle, and his daughter Eva made the trip to Sydney so that Jay could meet his baby girl. In a beautiful moment, Eva put her little hands on Jay’s face and he opened his eyes. In more good news, that night Jay and his family were advised that the medical team might have found a suitable heart for transplant. While describing the hearts health, doctors commented that “it’s more like a Camry than a BMW”, which his family took as a good sign because Jay drove a Camry and loved his reliable old car.
On the 3 September Jay’s new heart arrived. This date was significant because it was Eva’s original due date. Doctor’s determined that it was a suitable match, and 5 hours later Jay was in recovery.
But the battle still lies ahead. Jay must live in Sydney for the next few months while he continues his chemotherapy to kill the blood cancer. After six months Jay will undergo a stem cell transplant to repair the damaged cells from the amyloidosis. All of this while his wife cares for their new born daughter. We are raising funds to help support this beautiful family who have been through so much.
Jay is a Biripi Cultural leader, and teaches Gathang language and cultural practices. He works closely with high school kids and mentors them through difficult times. He is passionate about Aboriginal rights, and advocated for all Aboriginal people to the federal Government on the language bill when it was passed. Please support this wonderful man and his family during this most difficult time.
