Vegas For Athletes Interview Link:
News 3 Las Vegas Interview:
Part 1: Jordan’s Journey to Diagnosis
Our world changed when Jordan began experiencing symptoms serious enough to take him to the emergency room. What followed were multiple doctor visits, tests, and appointments with a pediatric cardiologist. Eventually, we received the news no parent ever expects to hear: Jordan has a heart condition that will require open-heart surgery. He was referred to an incredible medical team at Stanford, and after extensive testing, they confirmed the diagnosis. While we are deeply grateful for the clarity and expert care, nothing prepares you for learning that your child needs heart surgery.
Part 2: Life After Diagnosis
If you know Jordan, you know that sports, especially basketball, are his life. Before his diagnosis, he was playing high-intensity AAU travel basketball, competing in multiple tournaments on the Adidas circuit across several states. Since learning about his condition, Jordan has been unable to play basketball or participate in any athletics due to the risk to his heart. This has been incredibly difficult for him, both emotionally and mentally. Despite this heartbreak, Jordan has shown remarkable maturity and resilience by becoming the team manager for his 7th-grade basketball team. It has allowed him to mentor, encourage, and help coach his teammates while still being part of the game he loves.
Part 3: Facing Surgery
Last week, we received Jordan’s surgery date: March 5. Even though we knew this day was coming, hearing it made everything feel very real and deeply emotional. Jordan’s surgery will take place out of state in Northern California, meaning our family must travel far from home. The costs for travel, lodging, meals, and extended stays are significant. There will also be insurance premiums and medical expenses related to his surgery and hospital stay, which could last a week or longer depending on his recovery. After surgery, Jordan will spend 2–3 days in the ICU, followed by continued hospitalization and close monitoring.
Part 4: Recovery and Ongoing Needs
Jordan’s recovery will be long and demanding. He will not be able to attend the remainder of his 7th-grade school year and will require tutoring and homeschooling. He will also need 24-hour care, which means his mom will be unable to work for several months. Unfortunately, this time off is unpaid. While losing her income, our family must still continue paying insurance premiums to keep Jordan covered during his recovery. The emotional weight of this journey, combined with the financial strain, is overwhelming.
We are incredibly blessed with a strong, loving community, and while asking for help is not easy, we truly don’t have another option. Any support, whether through a donation, sharing this page, or keeping Jordan in your prayers, means more to us than words can express. Thank you for walking alongside our family during this incredibly difficult time.
If you would like to donate but feel more comfortable using Zelle or Venmo, I’ve listed that information below.
Zelle: (Kayla Mingo)
Venmo: @Anthony-Mingo-14