Dear Family and Friends,

            We are sharing this information on behalf of TJ and Jess Sedor-Franzak with the hope of helping their son and our grandson, Jude, in a time of great need. 

            Jude was born six weeks premature with a congenital heart defect, a hole in his heart. His doctors hoped the hole would close on its own, but instead it grew bigger and eventually required surgery. Jude underwent open heart surgery on September 30th, and due to complications caused by heart block, required placement of a pacemaker in a subsequent surgery on October 14th.

            At a routine checkup six weeks ago, Jude’s doctors discovered that his heart had become enlarged, requiring immediate hospitalization at Akron Children’s Hospital. After several days of attempting to manage his condition through medication, Jude’s condition suddenly deteriorated. He became unstable, requiring intubation and emergency transport by ambulance to Cleveland Clinic, where he was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit. 

            After two weeks in the PICU, Jude underwent additional surgery to replace and rewire his pacemaker. Unfortunately, the new pacemaker did not function as the doctors had hoped, leading to Jude’s heart failure. He has since undergone yet another surgery, this time to install a Berlin Heart. This ventricular assist device pumps blood from his left ventricle to his aorta, keeping him stable until he can receive a new heart.

             Jude will have to remain in the hospital indefinitely until his heart transplant takes place. Jess and TJ both have full time jobs, but have been forced to take time off without pay in order to stay in Cleveland with Jude while his condition remains tenuous.

            Jude’s transplant journey has become very expensive, so we are now working with the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) to assist with a lifetime of transplant-related expenses.

            The Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) helps children and young adults who need a life-saving transplant by providing fundraising assistance and family support. COTA is the nation’s only fundraising organization solely dedicated to raising life-saving dollars in honor of transplant-needy children and young adults. 100% of each contribution made to COTA in honor of patients helps meet transplant-related expenses. COTA’s services are free to families, and gifts to COTA are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

            Any money donated to COTA in honor of Jude will assist with any of the costs that are transplant-related. All donations are greatly appreciated. The family is so very grateful for any assistance in this time of need, and thanks you in advance for your generosity and continued prayers.