Jungle Jay Needs Your Help

In 2009, Jungle Jay received the news he was hoping he would never hear. He was diagnosed with Huntington Disease, a progressive neurological disorder which causes brain cells to die leading to incapacitation and eventually death.  It's a horrible disease for which there is no cure. Jay was an only child of a single mother who was diagnosed with Huntington Disease when he was 9. Jay became her sole caregiver and had to watch as the disease took away his vibrant mother's functions, and finally her life. As it is a genetic disease, Jay always knew that he had a 50% chance of developing Huntington and lived from childhood with that dread. Today, he struggles to walk, has slurred speech and sadly no family support. Watching him struggling with the disease and fighting daily to get assistance is heartbreaking and very frustrating. 

Before HD, Jay was an active, successful radio personality.  He started his career in Moose Jaw and then moved back home to Edmonton and became one of the most popular radio announcers who brought the night alive in the city on 630 CHED, Power 92 and Capital FM. Jay also ran a successful broadcasting school for 10 years and really enjoyed working with his students. He was someone who was dedicated, determined and so focused on his career.

In 2013 his symptoms became very noticeable and he was forced into an early retirement from broadcasting. I saw the hurt in his eyes when he was told he could no longer continue on the radio as the disease had by then compromised his speech. As each day passes I see him decline. Because he is no longer physically active, the disease is taking him away even faster.

With no family support, I was Jay's caregiver now until his accident on November 3, 2017. The fall has enhanced his Huntington Disease.  We are not a couple, just good friends. As his Personal Directive, I was forced to make the hardest decision, put him in extended care. Doctor said he is not rehabilitation worthy but I disagree. When I put him in therapy, I noticed a positive change as it slowed down the degeneration of his body. However the cost to keep him in any programs and long term care is too much for him. He needs the proper care to at least be semi independent again.  Doctor is writing him off but Jay's faith and will is so strong, we both feel with the right treatment he will be back in his own place. 

Jay went through a nasty divorce which left him struggling financially, and after his retirement, hit financial hardship as he has no disability insurance or medical benefits. Costs for long term care, therapy, dental work and membership to health facilities are things he just can't afford. 

I'm reaching out in the hopes that together we can help the man who put a smile on our face by entertaining us on the radio for 35 years.  When he was healthy, Jay supported the Edmonton community and local charities with his time and money.  Now he needs our help, and if you are able to do so it will really make a critical difference in his life.

Thank you!
Sunny