Jim's Hearts

Our society isn’t set up for lengthy health issues. When one of a two-income family cannot work, financial stress builds. And quickly. Last year around this time, the amazing community (minor hockey, friends, family) surrounding Jim and his family held a fundraiser. This was a stop-gap measure for sure – helping in the moment – because this same community knows that Jim’s new heart must be coming soon. But really, there’s something just not right when you must worry about the electricity bill along with the availability of a new heart.

Be inspired. Be a donor.

Waiting for a heart for almost 17 months, Jim and his family have had to adjust to some little things, and some big things. Little things like Jim realizing he can’t mow the lawn, and his son stepping up to do the job. (Jim still actively directs this activity – see pic). Big things like selling their house.  This is really hard for Jim. It’s hard for the whole family. Both big and little things have a way of adding up as time goes by. 17 months.

Be inspired by Jim’s story. Be a donor.

Jim had pneumonia about 15 years ago, and the infection went to his heart causing damage. Today, Jim suffers with congestive heart failure, which is essentially a weakness of the heart that leads to a buildup of fluid in the lungs and other body tissues. And suffering it is. Congestive heart failure causes debilitating weakness, difficulty in breathing and swelling. In Jim’s case, his heart cannot be treated by other medical or surgical means. He requires a heart transplant.

Please sign up to be an organ donor. Be inspired by Jim’s story. 

A friend recently posted (Facebook) her experience at the Ministry of Transportation. It seems that the young man ahead of her was asked if he’d like to be an organ donor. His reply? “No way. I’m too young for that!” After this anonymous young man received a verbal beating through the post comments, the participants came around to the fact that this guy just didn’t know. He didn’t deserve the harsh labels. He just didn’t know.

If you are 16 years of age or older, you are not too young to be a donor. Sign up to be a donor. Tell your family. Be inspired by Jim’s story.

Today is Marah’s birthday. She doesn’t really want to celebrate. She wants life to start again — without the crazy amount of stress she, Jim and her family live with every day. Marah wants the simple things that many of us take for granted. She wants good health for her husband and family; she wants basic financial security; she wants to be able to think around the stress. Most of all – she wants a new heart for Jim. A birthday wish.

May your wish come true Marah. Happy Birthday xoxo.

Please, be a donor.

Over the last couple of years, Jim and Marah have been overwhelmed by the support they’ve received from friends and family. The community surrounding them have stepped up on so many occasions to offer physical labour and to lift spirits. Even rescue-dog Charlie knows when he is required to offer Jim a little extra care. All of these people (well, maybe not Charlie) know how important it is to be a donor. How do you get this message to those who don’t understand? Who haven’t seen the incredible need? What does it take?

Share this message beyond your regular circle of friends. Inspire many and be bold.

Be a donor.

There’s been a lot of talk lately about “presumed consent” and organ donation. (This means that you wouldn’t have to sign up to be an organ donor, because everyone would be already). While this is a good idea, it’s not the magic elixir that you might expect. Families still have the right to decline – which is only right – and studies show that organ donation doesn’t improve with such policy. What does this mean for you? Well, it means that you need to sign up to be an organ donor, but equally important, it means that you need to discuss your wishes with your family. You can use Jim’s story to explain your decision.

Sign up to be an organ donor today. Talk to your family.