Help JJ & Family through Heart Transplant Journey

From healthy all-star athlete to heart transplant waitlist within 6 months…

This story begins with 14-year-old JJ going to his cardiologist for his sports physical clearance so he could try out for his high school’s football team. At this appointment it was found that his mild mitral valve regurgitation was now severe and required immediate intervention with open-heart surgery.

One week after his open-heart surgery, JJ went into complete heart block, a complete loss of communication between the atria and the ventricles of the heart, which required him to have a pacemaker placed. For one month, it seemed that JJ was on the road to recovery, however, he began having issues with his pacemaker. He went into atrial fibrillation and suffered a syncopal episode. Next, his mild leaky tricuspid valve (noted in previous surgery, but not concerning at the time) now worsened to severe, and the decision was made to exchange his pacemaker as it was thought the lead wires were interfering with the valve function.

During that admission JJ’s ejection fraction, a percentage of the total amount of blood in your heart that is pumped out with each heartbeat, went from 50% to 30%. Attempts were made to improve his condition with oral medications because doctors felt JJ would not survive attempting to repair the tricuspid valve with his low ejection fraction. However, JJ’s renal function began to worsen, and the decision was made to place JJ on the heart transplant list. Initially, JJ was going to remain outpatient while all testing was completed for the transplant. However, after initial testing it was determined he needed to remain in the hospital on a Milrinone infusion and close monitoring.

On December 22nd, JJ began complaining of headache, showed signs of confusion, and had difficulty with his motor functions. It was discovered JJ suffered a massive brain bleed and required an emergent craniotomy. Now, JJ remains in the ICU at John Hopkins’ Hospital with his mother, Frincis, by his side. Since the craniotomy JJ has been experiencing intermittent fevers, moments of lucidity with times of confusion, and increased oxygen needs. Prior to transplant surgery JJ will need clearance from the neurosurgery team, and after his transplant he will need to remain within close vicinity of the hospital for approximately three months.

As you can see, this kid is tough as nails and has been through so much in a span of just 6 months. I know he gets his strength from Frincis, my friend and fellow nurse. She is a single mother who I have seen work almost every day in a week to ensure that her 3 boys have their needs met. She is a true inspiration and I do not know how she has continued for so long without asking for help. I tell her often that she is the strongest person I know, but we all know even the strongest people need help sometimes.

I started this GoFundMe with the hope that together we can raise funds to help ease the financial burden incurred while Frincis has been off from work to focus on her baby’s needs. If you are able to, please donate to help this family, and if you find you are not in a spot where you are able to make a donation please share so we can reach more people.