from the family: Jace UPDATE!

We're thrilled to share that Jace is out of surgery, and it went wonderfully! His surgeon is very pleased with how everything went. While there's still a long journey to full recovery ahead and we're not completely out of the woods yet, this is a huge step forward. We will continue to be in Iowa City as he learns to adapt to his new heart, relearn eating, and regain overall bodily function. He has several milestones to achieve during his recovery from the operation.

We are incredibly grateful for all your prayers and support; they mean the world to us. We feel truly blessed by all of you! Please continue keeping us in your thoughts and prayers. These funds will allow us to remain together as a family and will provide crucial support for necessary medical equipment when we transition home.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Forever grateful,

Mason, Arissa, Maddox, and Jace

Mason and Arissa welcomed their twin boys, Jace and Maddox, on September 11, 2025 at 34 weeks. While Maddox is thriving after being discharged from the NICU and staying with mom and dad at the Ronald McDonald House in Iowa City, Jace still faces significant health challenges. Born with his heart on the right side of his body (dextrocardia) and Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return (TAPVR), he requires open-heart surgery. Additionally, Jace is battling with collapsed lungs, another driving factor that has forced him to rely on machines and medications. Due to his prematurity, the surgery is delayed in order to allow him to grow stronger. The family is facing a long recovery ahead, and we want to support them in staying together as a family and reduce any financial burdens possible. All donations will be used towards bills, lost income, food and daily needs. For those who are not comfortable with GoFundMe, donations may also be made to Mason’s Venmo @Mason-Johnson-241 or Arissa’s CashApp $ArissaRider . Any contribution- whether it be through donations or even a simple share of their story will make an impact!