Support the Sangrey Family in their time of need

On December 20th the world lost a little bit of its light. Surrounded by his family and loved ones my Uncle Jay Sangrey passed away. To know him was to love him. My uncle was a person that made it impossible not to love him. For those of you who were blessed to know him there is no shortage of positive things that can be said about him. He was a devoted husband to Julie Spicer-Sangrey, and alongside her raised two amazing and beautiful people, their son Ryan, and daughter Brooke. His love for family included spoiling and nurturing all of his nieces, nephews, and he never seemed to run out of love and support for them all. He was a cheerleader and advocate for those he loved, his relationships were truly dear to him. He took on the role of mentoring so many throughout his life. Friends of his children, and even his extended family, looked at a Jay like family. The loss of his presence resonates so deeply as he leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness.

As many of you know Jay was diagnosed with Acute Leukemia in April of this year. In typical Jay fashion he didn't let this news break his spirits, his stance was it was time to kick cancers ass. Throughout the last year he never let his positive nature fade. His smile and infectious positive attitude made him a favorite of the doctors and nurses who cared for him during his various hospital stays at Jefferson Hospital. Even during the most difficult times he was always ready to greet the staff with a smile and some great music recommendations! During his treatment his doctors recommended a stem cell transplant, and thankfully his son Ryan was a perfect match. Both began the tenuous preparations for the surgery, and in the fall he was able to successfully have a stem cell transplant.

The process was long, and the recovery kept Jay in the hospital for 6 weeks. During that time he expressed nothing but gratitude to his family, friends, and support staff at Jefferson. Even though the treatment was so involved he was feeling good and positive that the treatment would have him home soon. I have never known another person who carried themselves with such selflessness and grace through such a difficult time. He was so excited when they finally discharged him to return home to his family. In the middle of October he was given the all clear to return home. One of the things he was most excited for was getting home to watch the Philadelphia Eagles with his favorite fan, Julie.

Like so many others over the last two years my aunt and uncle were financially impacted by COVID. Jay was a man who loved to work with his hands and spent decades working as a handyman. During the closures he was unable to work, which meant that they no longer had an active income in their home. He still didn't let that get him down, and he relished the time he got to spend with his best friend, my aunt. Jay and Julie were soul mates, everywhere they went together they had a great time, and everyone enjoyed their company. He could not have been more proud of the life that they built, and in fact had recently celebrated the marriage of his daughter Brooke and her husband Ben. I've never seen a happier or prouder father of the bride.

Last week Jay was admitted back into Jefferson unexpectedly. He wasn't feeling well, but still held on to the fact that he didn't want anyone to worry, least of all his wife and children. He was so naturally protective that he never wanted to cause them a moment of worry. During the weekend he began declining in a way that no one anticipated, and without notice he became critical. The staff at Jefferson was so kind and did everything they could to make sure that he was comfortable. His Doctor and many of the nurses expressed their most sincere condolences and reminded my aunt and cousins just how much they appreciated Jay's kind nature and untouchable positive attitude. When he passed he was surrounded by his family, reminding him of the appreciation and love they all had for him.

I know that the last thing my uncle would want would be for my aunt and his children to have to navigate these difficult times alone. I am asking anyone that can to please donate towards his families transition during this time. My uncle was a proud and kind man, he was always willing and ready to step up to do the right thing, and was never quick to ask others for anything. His final wish was to be cremated, so I am hoping to raise enough to allow his family to finalize that process and to have a memorial service in the spring that is fitting of such a loving and wonderful man. Any additional funds raised will help my Aunt Julie with incidentals while she figures out the next steps in her journey.

Thank you for taking the time to read, share, and donate if you can. Uncle Jay, you will be remembered and loved forever, thank you for simply being you- you were truly one of a kind. I hope there are lots of amazing concerts in heaven, we'll miss you until we see you again.