Save Comedy’s Heart -Cardiac Triple ByPass Surgery

Dear Friends, Family, and Kind Souls,

My name is Heather Hanson, and I’m reaching out to you today with a heavy heart but a hopeful spirit on behalf of Michael Hemmings, my stepfather.

Michael is my mother’s husband, and they live together in Jamaica. He’s also a beloved father, grandfather, stepfather, fisherman, and the life of every gathering with his unmatched sense of humor.

He’s facing a triple bypass in a hospital in his home country of Jamaica. We are all scared and stunned at how quickly this has happened.

Michael's story is one of vibrancy, resilience, and the sudden turns life can take when we least expect it. As we all know, medical emergencies can take a quick toll, and that’s what’s happening to Michael right now.

His life in Jamaica is normally a beautiful tapestry of joyous moments – tending to his lush garden, setting sail at dawn for the day's catch, and transforming nature's bounty into culinary delights that would make any Michelin-starred chef take note. His earlier days as a stunt motorcycle rider only added to the legend of "Comedy", a man who lived life with zest and a fearless heart.

Recently my husband and I visited Mom and Michael in Jamaica. The visit took a turn on its final day when Michael fell seriously ill. Initially diagnosed with a bowel obstruction, his condition rapidly deteriorated, leading to a harrowing journey through the public medical system in Jamaica – a saga marked by challenges and a desperate need for more comprehensive care.

Despite undergoing emergency surgery, Michael began experiencing alarming symptoms, hinting at a much graver issue. It was later explained by a cardiologist that Michael's heart was failing, likely compounded by a heart attack during or after his surgery. The need for further testing and specialized treatment became painfully clear — and urgent.

This brought us to where we are today: Michael requires immediate, advanced medical intervention in the form of a triple bypass, something far beyond the reach of Jamaica's public hospitals. He cannot fly, and cannot easily get a visa to travel to the United States even if he could.

Right now he’s in a private hospital in Kingston. 

The hurdles are many: limited infrastructure, the need for specialized care, and the significant financial strain it places on his family, with his wife (my mother) relying on a modest social security income.

This is where we turn to the community. We are launching this GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for Michael's medical expenses, including necessary tests, treatments, and life-saving procedures. Your generosity can help bridge the gap between the care Michael needs and the resources currently available to him.

Michael has always been the one to bring laughter, joy, and delicious meals to our lives. Now, it's our turn to give back to a man who has enriched our lives in countless ways. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings Michael one step closer to recovery and a return to the life he cherishes.

I’m asking everyone to rally for Michael – for his laughter, his warmth, and his incredible spirit. Your support means the world to us and to Michael and his family. Thank you for considering a donation to help save a truly remarkable life.

as Michael would say “oh Jah Jah will provide” so I am confident we can do this!

Much love and gratitude!

Heather Hanson