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My name is Tommy, and I'm raising funds for my brother Jay Ritchie - someone who's been through more in the past few months than most people face in a life time.

Jay is a devoted father, a caretaker, and a hard worker, and one of the most determined people I know. But in early 2025, everything changed.

It started with severe pain - then everything collapsed. What began as abdominal pain and fatigue quickly escalated into a full-blown medical emergency. Jay was diagnosed with diverticulitis, but things didn't stop there. His immune system went haywire!

Doctors believe Jay developed reactive arthritis, a rare condition where the body's immune response begins attacking its own joints and connective tissue, Practically overnight, he was in a wheelchair, unable to move his arm, hand, or foot. The inflammation and nerve pain became excruciating. He couldn't walk. He couldn't lift his arm. He couldn't even sleep.

In late May, Jay's condition took a terrifying turn. His colon perforated, leading to an emergency, life-saving surgery. Surgeons had to remove a part of his colon, leaving him with a colostomy bag - a temporary but life-altering consequence.

He'll need to wear it for at least four months before undergoing a second major surgery to reverse it. In the meantime, his body is still dealing with chronic pain, nerve damage, and limited mobility - all while adjusting to the demands of ostomy care and fighting daily to gain strength.

As Jay slowly tries to recover, the hits haven't stopped. He recently learned he also has a torn bicep, likely from the physical strain and inflammation ravaging his body over the past few months.

At just 46 years old, Jay has lost his ability to work, drive, and live independently - for now. He's been in and out of hospitals, doing his best to stay focused on recovery while enduring severe weight loss, fatigue, and pain.

This GoFundMe will help cover:

-Medical expenses not covered by insurance

-Nutritional needs to help him regain weigh and strength

-Home modifications and mobility equipment

-Physical therapy and rehab

-Future surgeries (ostomy reversal & bicep repair)

-Daily living costs while he cannot work

HELP JAY KEEP FIGHTING!!

If you know Jay, you know he's a fighter. He's been through hell and kept his mind sharp, his spirit intact, and his vision alive. But he can't do this alone.

Whether you can donate $5 or $500, every single dollar helps him survive this chapter and make it to the next.

Let's help Jay get back on his feet - literally.

Thank you for standing with him.

-Tommy Ritchie