Support Jesse's Open Heart Surgery Journey

Dear Friends, Family, and Kind Supporters,

We are reaching out today to ask for your help on behalf of our sweet, loving, caring son and brother Jesse Pearson.

Jesse has always had a gift with languages. In high school he was inspired through manga to start teaching himself Japanese. It has been a dream of his, decades in the making, to live in Japan. Since summer 2024 he has been attending a language school in Fukuoka, Japan. While there, Jesse became sick, and on September 23, 2024 he was transported to the hospital with a fever of 106.7. After many tests, the doctors said he had a severe case of sepsis, acute pneumonia, and infective endocarditis. Additional tests have determined that the infections have degraded Jesse’s heart. Jesse will need open heart surgery to replace his aortic valve. He is being held in a hospital in Japan for at least four weeks in order to receive necessary antibiotics through IV. After he is stabilized, Jesse will need to be flown back to the United States to have open heart surgery.

If you know Jesse, you know how loving, funny, outgoing, and amazing he is. He really has a big heart and is always there to help people. He always finds a way to brighten up the day of any person he meets. Jesse has always been a fighter from the very beginning. Jesse was born with aortic stenosis and a unicuspid aortic valve. At 6 days old he survived open heart surgery, against many odds. Growing up, Jesse was told not to run or exercise too hard. Limits were set by his doctors so as to not over stress his heart. But regardless of such restrictions, Jesse has always made the best of what he has. Jesse exercised his body and mind everyday, excelling at tennis, saxophone and piano, the study of languages, and chess. He is the type of person that puts his mind to something until he accomplishes it. He has been thriving in Japan, biking to school everyday and working out daily. Jesse is in the best shape of his life. He is devastated that his heart is failing him now. The cost of his hospitalization, surgery and subsequent care is overwhelming, not to mention the need to put his life in Japan on hold. We want to ensure that Jesse can focus on healing without the added stress of medical expenses.

We are asking for your generosity to help raise funds to cover Jesse’s medical expenses and support his recovery while in Japan. Every contribution, no matter the size, will go a long way in helping Jesse receive the treatments he needs, to regain his independence and ease the financial strain on him.

The fundraising goal is set for $30,000 to help Jesse pay for his medical costs and hospitalization in Japan. Any additional funds will be put towards his medical bills for his open heart surgery in the United States. Jesse is excited to receive an improved heart and refreshed start on his life.

If you’re unable to donate, we kindly ask that you share this campaign with others to help spread the word. Your support—whether through a donation or simply sharing Jesse’s story—is greatly appreciated. Prayers are also welcome.

Thank you for your kindness, compassion, and generosity during this challenging time.

With heartfelt gratitude,

The Pearson Family