Our family is asking for help as Jay Rothman faces a permanent and life-altering medical crisis that has ended his ability to live and work independently.

For several months, Jay’s health had been steadily declining. What began as concerning physical and cognitive symptoms gradually worsened, becoming more severe and more frequent. As his condition progressed, it reached a point where medical intervention could no longer be delayed. This escalation ultimately led to multiple hospitalizations and intensive evaluation.

Through these hospitalizations, doctors identified significant neurological damage. Based on his most recent and likely final diagnosis, Jay’s medical team believes he is experiencing a form of dementia, with vascular dementia as the leading assessment. This condition is believed to be the result of multiple silent mini-strokes that have impacted brain function over time.

This diagnosis marks a permanent turning point. Jay will not be returning to independent living or to work. While he is currently in a rehabilitation treatment center, this is not a temporary pause or recovery phase. Rehabilitation is part of a transition into assisted living, where Jay will require daily care and ongoing support from this point forward.

Jay’s short- and long-term memory have been affected and continue to decline. He is also living with serious physical symptoms, including frequent nausea and constant pain in his right hand and arm due to arterial narrowing. The pain is often most severe at night, making restful sleep difficult and further limiting his ability to function independently.

As his condition worsened, Jay was medically forced to step away from his work and his only source of income. This includes Hike and Heal Experiences and his role as a practitioner with a Sedona-based organization he had been deeply connected to for many years. This work was not just how Jay supported himself financially. It was his calling. Through it, he dedicated his life to helping others heal, reconnect with themselves, and return to compassion and self-love. Being required to step away so suddenly has been emotionally devastating.

Jay now needs assistance with daily activities that many of us take for granted, and his need for care and supervision will continue to increase over time. His neurological condition is expected to progress rather than improve, making long-term support unavoidable.

Even with insurance, Jay’s out-of-pocket medical expenses have already reached into the tens of thousands of dollars, with significant assisted living and ongoing care costs still ahead. At the same time that expenses are increasing, Jay’s ability to manage his own finances and daily needs has diminished.

This fundraiser is intended to help cover medical care, rehabilitation, assisted living costs, and essential daily living expenses, as well as anticipated future medical and care needs.

More than anything, it is meant to provide stability, dignity, and continuity of care during a period of profound and permanent change.

Any amount helps. Sharing this page also makes a meaningful difference.

-Sammy, Char & the Rothman Family

A Message from Jay

On my behalf, thank you for your heartfelt support and donations. I am deeply grateful for the love, generosity, and kindness being extended to me during this season of serious health challenges, which have led me to step away from my life’s passion, the work I have loved and devoted myself to for many years.

Yes! Yes! Yes! As I love to say, it truly is possible for us to reach the goal that has been set. This amount represents only a small fraction of the staggering medical and living costs I am now facing as I move into an early and unexpected retirement.

If I have impacted your life in a positive way, I ask you to consider supporting me during this time. Opening your heart through a donation or by sharing this page means more than I can express as I navigate this significant season of change.

Thank you for standing with me in this period of surrender, transition, and many unknowns. Your support allows me to move forward with greater care, stability, and peace.

With love and gratitude,

Jay Rothman