Jack found out he had a heart condition (Dilated Cardiomyopathy) after his older brother collapsed, and subsequently died at the age of 16. The death of his older brother helped him become aware of his own heart condition. Jack has lived with this for many years, has had a defibrillator implanted to help save his life, and we have hoped to put off a heart transplant as long as possible. Unfortunately this is no longer a possibility. Jack needs to be placed on the heart transplant list. He is only 25.

 

 

 

 

Recent Medical History

 

 

 

 

Last week, Jack tested positive for Covid-19 and it has taken a toll on his worsening heart. Late last Thursday night (January 20th) Jack went into Vtach, a type of abnormal heart rhythm that occurs when the lower chamber of the heart beats too fast to pump well and the body doesn't receive enough oxygenated blood. Jack’s defibrillator did not go off like it should have and paramedics had to transport him to the emergency room where medical professionals had to deliver a shock to correct his rhythm - all while he was still conscious and aware. Covid has progressed into Pneumonia and his heart is very weak because of it. Jack was told he needed an emergency heart transplant and was airlifted to a hospital that could perform the transplant. Since he was airlifted (Sat, Jan 22nd) he has been recovering well. The doctors have said they will place him on the transplant list instead of going directly to an emergency transplant. We are grateful for this silver lining to a very grim situation, but know that the fight has only begun.

 

 

 

 

I have known Jack since he was a little boy and it has been such a joy to have him marry my sister and watch him grow and become a father to their 3 year old son. Jack has the most contagious smile and such an intriguing sense of humor. He has taken this life trial and always maintained his positive attitude on life. Through the years, and especially throughout this emergency visit, Jack has shown that he has immense faith, strength, courage, and resilience.

 

We started this GoFundMe to help ease the financial burden of all the medical and other costs that will inevitably come despite having medical insurance. This includes not only the heart transplant, airlifting, and hospital stays, but also a possible relocation from home during recovery as well as providing a way for Eliza to be to stay home to be Jack’s full-time caregiver. Full recovery can take up to 6 months.

 

How You Can Help

 

Any and all donations will make a huge difference and will go directly to Jack and Eliza to use how they see fit for their expenses during this time. Please consider not only donating, but also sharing this GoFundMe on your social media pages so that we can reach our goal and as many kind souls as possible.