Jonah’s Heart Transplant Journey

Hi, my name is Roselyn, and I’m Jonah’s Aunt.

Jonah came into my sister’s (Ashley) life about 3 years ago now when she started dating his dad (Stephen). Ashley immediately took Jonah in and treated him as one of her own. He quickly became a part of our whole family because of his sweet and one-of-a-kind personality. In the past two years Jonah has become a big brother twice to my nephews, went through Pre-K, and started Kindergarten. He’s done quite a bit of growing and learning for a 5 year old, but there’s more to his story that I want to share….

Jonah was born with Aortic Valve Stenosis, a heart condition where his aortic valve doesn’t open fully, reducing or blocking blood flow from his heart to the rest of his body. He has already undergone 2 major surgeries as a result of the condition; balloon valvoplasty at 1 month old, and a valve replacement at 5 months old.

On Christmas Day this past year, Jonah fell ill and had to be taken to the hospital by ambulance where things have only gotten scarier. After 6 days at our local Children’s Hospital, the decision was made by the doctors to transfer Jonah to an out-of-state hospital that specializes in pediatric cardiology. He was transported that night by Mercy Flight to the new hospital. For the last 4 weeks, Jonah has undergone tests, doctor evaluations and a couple procedures under anesthesia. Two weeks ago, the doctors determined that he is in need of a heart transplant, and on the 18th he was officially listed on the transplant list.

The road ahead of Jonah is a long and scary one, waiting for a heart to become available, the surgery, and then recovery. During all of this time Jonah will be staying out-of-state at the hospital on an IV drip to keep his heart working, and to ensure he gets the care he needs.

With this all happening I’m sure you can understand that Ashley and Stephen’s lives have quickly changed to something they’d never imagine. Stephen has taken an indefinite leave of absence from work to be at the hospital with Jonah, while Ashley stays local with their other two boys and makes the drive up to visit with Jonah every weekend. While Ashley is still working, it is not nearly enough to cover household bills, food, traveling expenses going to and from the hospital, and now the added medical bills rolling in for Jonah’s care.

We are not a family that often asks for help, let alone financial help, but I ask you to please read Jonah’s story and help my sister and her family if you are able. Any and all donations will be given directly to Ashley and Stephen to use for medical bills, traveling expenses, and everyday hospital life during this difficult time.

I will post any updates and progress on Jonah with Ashley’s and Stephen’s approval to this page. I thank you immensely if you’ve read this far, and in advance for your thoughts, prayers, and any help you can offer.