We have created this GoFundMe account to help a friend and a member of the Jackson Hole community, Patrick King.

As many of you know, Patrick “PK” King faced a serious health challenge in 2019 when a bacterial infection reached his heart, causing endocarditis with vegetations. He underwent open-heart surgery to remove the vegetations and received prosthetic valves and a pacemaker. After months of rehabilitation at St. John’s Health’s Cardiac Rehab program, PK regained his strength and returned to work. For the past seven years, he’s cherished watching his boys grow into fine young men, working in the valley, and spending time with MK, family and friends.

On November 6th, PK returned to St. John’s, where doctors quickly discovered a staph infection had made him septic. The bacteria had attached to his aortic and bicuspid valves and the leads of his pacemaker. That evening, he was life-flighted to the University of Utah. PK suffered a stroke when part of the vegetation broke off and traveled to his brain—a known risk in cases like this. He will need another valve replacement heart surgery in the upcoming days.

PK is now under the care of exceptional cardiology, neuro, and infectious disease teams, along with a host of other specialists at “The U.” Practitioners are working tirelessly to stabilize him, adjust his antibiotics, and prepare PK for another open-heart surgery to replace his valves and pacemaker. It’s a delicate balance—clearing the infection, monitoring emboli, and making sure he’s strong enough for surgery. PK faces a road ahead, but his optimism and humor remain unwavering. He’s still the PK we all know, keeping nurses and caregivers smiling with his jokes. His care team reminds him that things can change in an instant, and they are responding daily with the best possible course of action. MK has said countless times that they are fortunate to have University of Utah Health.

Patrick has called Jackson home for 30 years, sharing life with his wife Mary Katherine and their two sons, Will (18) and Thomas (16). Many of you know PK from his work at The Wort, JHMR, Teton Pines, Caldera, and Shooting Star, where he is so happy.

While the family’s health insurance will cover much of the hospital stay, surgery, and rehabilitation, the financial burden of an emergency like this is significant. Lost wages, life-flight costs, household expenses, and travel between Jackson and Salt Lake City add up quickly. These are the kinds of challenges that can overwhelm a family, and we want to make sure that doesn’t happen to the Kings.

Please consider giving to the Patrick King Healthcare Fund. Your support will help PK recover and return to the Jackson community we all love—and allow MK to focus on being the best mom and supportive wife during this difficult time.

In addition to GoFundMe, donations can be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church. Checks can be made payable to "St. John's Episcopal Church" with "PK" in the memo. Additionally, a link to the church's donation platform can be accessed by cutting and pasting the following link: St Johns for PK King. In the comment section, add PK King. They will steward the funds on behalf the King family.

We will continue to share updates on PK’s progress as Mary Katherine is able. Please keep the King family in your thoughts and prayers.