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<\/a><\/a>\nIn many cases, the progression toward transplant can take years, with many patients relying on lifestyle management techniques and\/or a pacemaker while they gradually prepare for more advanced treatment options \u2014 such as open-heart surgery and heart transplantation.<\/p>
\nWhile at a routine appointment in March this year, Jaxson\u2019s doctors determined that although there was no immediate emergency, it was time to begin conversations about a future transplant. His condition was progressing past the point where his pacemaker could provide long term stability.<\/p>
\n\u201cWe have been preparing for his heart transplant for 22 years \u2013 but it still came as a shock,\u201d said Jaxson\u2019s mother, Lindon-based Britani Lunceford. \u201cWe were thinking it would be a year-long process, but Jaxson\u2019s condition escalated with unusual speed. A few days later, he went into immediate heart failure and was rushed to the ER.\u201d<\/p>
\nIn the ER, Jaxson underwent four open-heart surgeries in a single week to stabilize his rapidly deteriorating condition. His body was starting to shut down and circumstances became extremely critical. Amazingly, just 72 hours after his doctors at Intermountain Medical Center in Murray, Utah placed him on the transplant waitlist at the most critical status level, Jaxson received a viable donor heart.<\/p>
\n\u201cIt was very surprising. We cried very happy tears,\u201d Britani said. \u201cBut of course, I immediately thought about the donor\u2019s grieving family.\u201d<\/p>
\nTHE DONOR HEART<\/b><\/p>
\n\u201cI was crying because I was afraid my kid wasn\u2019t going to make it, while the donor\u2019s mom and other loved ones were probably crying because her kid didn\u2019t make it,\u201d said Britani, recalling the moment she learned the doctors found a viable donor heart. \u201cBut thankfully for us, the donor had the foresight to express their wish to be an organ donor in advance of their critical condition.\u201d<\/p>
\nReceiving a donor heart isn\u2019t always the light at the end of the tunnel for transplant patients, as many life-threatening complications, such as transplant rejection, may arise. Even in successful operations, families and caregivers are face-to-face with the reality of losing their loved ones.<\/p>
\nFor Britani and her family, this experience has reinforced their perspectives on organ donation and the profound connection between donor families and recipients, though they don\u2019t typically get to meet each other. To the donor and their family, Britani would like to say: \u201cThank you for choosing to be a donor, and the life-giving gift that this is to our dear Jaxson.\u201d<\/p>
\nTHE REALITY OF HEART TRANSPLANTS AND LONG TERM CARE<\/b><\/p>
\nEvery patient is different and every situation is unique. According to the American Society of Transplantation<\/a>, caregivers need to prepare for anything. Not only is there no such thing as a \u201ctypical recovery timeline\u201d for heart transplant patients, but there is also no guarantee of a return to good health at all.<\/p> \nSurvival rates of heart transplants in adults begin strong at ~90% within the first year, but steadily decrease to ~55% at the 10-year mark. On average, a transplant only lasts 10 years, meaning many patients will require more than one transplant throughout their lifetime.<\/p> \n\u201cKnowing that Jax will need a new heart and have to go through this again is a very daunting thought,\u201d explained Britani. \u201cHe miraculously received a heart this time, but what are the chances he gets a second, third, or fourth heart just to live a normal life expectancy?\u201d<\/p> \nJaxson\u2019s path to recovery has been an emotional rollercoaster for Jaxson, Britani and the rest of the Lunceford family. Britani recalled the moment when Jaxson took longer than expected to wake up from surgery, initially puzzling his team of cardiologists and worrying his family. In addition, no mother wants to hear that doctors are leaving her child hooked up to machines with his chest wide open for several days \u2014 even if it is a standard practice to reduce swelling and monitor progress.<\/p> \n\u201cHis whole lifetime of problems caught up with him over the past three months,\u201d said Britani. \u201cBut every day that I got to go see Jaxson at the hospital was a good day.\u201d<\/p> \nA NEW CHAPTER AFTER YEARS OF MEDICAL UNCERTAINTY<\/b><\/p> \nFortunately, Jaxson is now recovering from his transplant and beginning a new chapter in life, one his family hopes will bring stability and fulfillment. For instance: \u201cJaxson\u2019s never really been able to travel,\u201d Britani shared. \u201cNow, with his new heart and improved health, we hope he can experience activities and opportunities that were once unrealistic, and even impossible for him.\u201d<\/p> \nKnown by family and friends as thoughtful, easy-going, intelligent and witty, Jaxson graduated from Pleasant Grove High School while completing two years of electrical coursework through MTECH. Despite living much of his life with severe fatigue, medical limitations and implanted cardiac devices, his family says he remained hopeful and level-headed throughout his journey.<\/p> \n\u201cHe was my easiest kid,\u201d Britani said. \u201cSo kind, so sweet, very thoughtful, very mellow.\u201d<\/p> \nHOW THE COMMUNITY IS HELPING<\/b><\/p> \nWhile Jaxson and the rest of the Lunceford family continue adjusting to life after transplant, the surrounding community has quickly mobilized to help, with a large community yard sale fundraiser on Friday, June 5th and Saturday, June 6th in Lindon. Anyone interested in participating is welcome to drop by to say hello, meet Jaxson, and peruse donated items. All proceeds will be used to offset the family\u2019s financial burden.<\/p> \nFamily members, neighbors, local students, and volunteers have spent weeks collecting and organizing donations from across Utah County. A wide range of donations are appreciated, including clothing and furniture, vehicles, professional services (such as landscaping), recreational equipment, and more. See below for more details.<\/p> \nThe Lunceford family will accept donation drop offs throughout the sale, and are offering to pick up items until Thursday, June 4th.<\/p> \n\u201cThe Pleasant Grove High School football team is going to come and unload everything for us,\u201d Britani said. \u201cWe have trailers and boys with muscles who are ready to help.\u201d<\/p> \nThe yard sale has evolved into somewhat of a community-wide tradition for families in Lindon. In fact, the Luncefords participated in organizing a yard sale to raise money for a local family battling cancer a few years ago. Now their community is rallying around them in the same way.<\/p> \n\u201cWe are working together to raise money for Jax,\u201d said Britani, fervently assuring that her family prefers to earn their money, rather than accept handouts.<\/p> \nAs Jaxson continues recovering, the family hopes his story not only encourages community support, but also inspires more conversations around organ donation, chronic illness and the invisible realities many families quietly navigate every day.<\/p> \nYARD SALE AND DONATION DETAILS<\/b><\/p> \nFor more information, including photos of Jaxson with his family, the Venmo QR code and Yard Sale flyer, click <\/b>here<\/b><\/a>.<\/b><\/p> \nYard Sale for Jax:<\/p> \nYard sale donations:<\/p> \nAccepted Items:<\/p> \nThe Lunceford family is open to all sorts of donations and contributions, but kindly asks that items are in good or better condition. If applicable, items must be functional and not in need of repairs or maintenance (unless otherwise specified).<\/p> \nOTHER WAYS TO SUPPORT<\/b><\/p> \nAlthough the Lunceford family feels strongly about working hard to earn the money needed to support Jaxson through this difficult time, those who want to contribute but cannot donate items or attend the yard sale still have options:<\/p> \nQUICK FACTS ABOUT HCM & HEART TRANSPLANTS<\/b><\/p> \nMEDIA INFORMATION<\/b><\/p> \nImpact Communications, Inc. is providing pro bono public relations support to assist the Lunceford family and to raise awareness about the life-saving gift of organ donation.<\/p> \n\u201cChoosing to become an organ donor is one of the most generous decisions a person can make,\u201d said Marie Swift, CEO and founder of Impact Communications. \u201cIt takes only a moment \u2014 often just a simple check of a box when renewing your driver\u2019s license \u2014 but that small act can give someone else a second chance at life. In the face of loss, it is a way to create hope, healing, and a lasting legacy for others.\u201d<\/p>\n
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