Jay Collings has long been a warm and familiar presence in our Regina community. We first met him when he brought his beloved pups, Iago and Georgia, into our coffee shop. During the pandemic, we grew close—our shop became one of the few places where Jay could safely connect with others while battling cancer. Thankfully, he overcame that fight, but ongoing health challenges have since prevented him from returning to work.

In 2020, Jay was diagnosed with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC), a chronic liver disease that causes inflammation and scarring of the bile ducts, often leading to liver failure. In 2021, Jay was further diagnosed with Cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer). After undergoing a Roux NY surgery in Saskatoon, Jay overcame the initial cancer prognosis.

However, PSC continued to cause recurring internal infections, resulting in frequent hospitalizations. Jay has since been referred to Edmonton for a lifesaving liver transplant. While the transplant team has approved Jay for the transplant list, one major barrier remains: Jay must stay in Edmonton under 24-hour care for at least three months post-surgery to manage potential complications and ensure immediate access to medical support.

He also needs to cover the care person's living expenses and time off work while they’re in Edmonton. Unfortunately, Saskatchewan’s healthcare system doesn’t provide funding for housing, care aids or donor-related costs while staying in Edmonton.

Originally from PEI, Jay’s family remains there, so he leans heavily on his partner and our local community for support. There are also the unknowns when it comes to organ donations and the time and money can become exponential.

Donations are being sought to help cover:

We care deeply about Jay and hope this organ donation will bring him much-needed relief from the health burdens he’s carried for so long.

Thank you!

Amy + Tim