Friends, Family, Fellow Jammers, Beer Enthusiasts, Hot Sauce Makers, Tin Fish Lovers & Community Members:

At the start of August, while on one of our many family/friends camping adventures, our beloved John Sapienza, aka Sap, suffered a significant grand mal seizure while visiting a beautiful waterfall/swimming hole near Ithaca, NY (almost 7.5 hours away from home). Upon another seizure at the hospital, Sap was placed under heavy sedation and on a ventilator.

Because Sap always loves to "go big or go home," the next several days led to unanswered questions, a variety of complications, and dire situations. Nicole, his sister Dori, and his mother, Patti remained by his side while a team of incredible nurses, medical assistants, and doctors managed his care.

Almost two weeks later, Sap has begun to awake and respond to simple commands and questions. Because of his sister's amazing efforts and caring employers, Sap is being prepared to be airlifted and transported to North Shore University Hospital back home, here on Long Island! Despite great insurance, and because we need to get Sap home, the cost of the medevac is one that Sap and Nicole will be billed for.

Although Sap still remains on a ventilator, he has made tremendous progress over the past 24 hours. Once back home on Long Island, Sap is facing an extended hospital stay and a very long recovery.

To know Sap is to love Sap! He is the first one to offer the shirt off his back for a friend, family member or stranger. Now, I ask that you please help Sap and Nicole navigate these next steps by donating to ease the cost of the medevac and recovery.

Thank you again for the tremendous outpouring of love. It has carried Nicole, Dori, Patti, and us all through these very difficult days!