A.J. Reyes

Arthur Joven Reyes, or AJ as everyone knows him, is an older brother and loving son in our close-knit family. He is a recent graduate of Sacramento State University, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Administration with the hope of pursuing his passion to help others in the medical field. When his time is not taken up by classes in preparation for a second degree, AJ loves to tackle new recipes with his culinary talents or spend quality time with friends and family.

In 2005, AJ was diagnosed with congestive heart failure due to a rare viral infection. For the next five years, AJ underwent many different procedures and has taken multiple medications to suppress his disease and strengthen his heart. It wasn’t until September, 2010 that AJ acquired a respiratory illness that pushed his heart to work harder. His heart worsened and could no longer sustain itself with cardiac medications. It was then decided he would undergo open heart surgery to implant a left ventricular assist device (lvad), a bridge to a heart transplant. He has faced many challenges during his 25 years. Through the love of his family and support of his friends, AJ kept strong throughout this life-threatening ordeal. On November 20, 2010, AJ received his new, healthy heart at Stanford Medical Hospital.

It has been a life-changing struggle for AJ and for all of us, but his story doesn’t end here. He has medical insurance, but it won’t cover everything; the out-of-pocket financial costs still continue to add up with co-pays, post-transplant medication, transportation costs, and routine check-ups for the next 12 months. Besides outrageous medical expenses, we have been directly hit by the economic crisis and are struggling to stay afloat.

We, the Reyes Family, are coming to you in hopes of your support and assistance. We have established a fundraising campaign with HelpHOPELive, a nonprofit organization that has been providing assistance to the transplant community for over 26 years. We are humbled to know that AJ is blessed to have a second chance to live with this great “gift of life”. As the holidays are nearing, we understand everyone’s focus on the act of giving. We hope that you can help AJ with an end-of-year tax-deductible contribution.

Make checks payable to: HelpHOPELive Southwest Heart Transplant Fund

Note in memo section: In Honor of AJ Reyes

Please send to: HelpHOPELive
Two Radnor Corporate Center100 Matsonford Road, Suite 100
Radnor, PA 19087

If you prefer to make a credit card contribution, please call 800-642-8399 or select the CONTRIBUTE NOW button.

AJ feels very blessed with loving and supportive family and friends who help in so many ways. Your prayers and contributions are truly treasured and will help us through this difficult time.

Thank you and God bless,
The Reyes Family
(Michelle Reyes, 707-310-5393)