Jennifer Donovan Vito's Heart Transplant Journey

Jennifer and her family need our help. While at home with her family on December 16th, despite no history of cardiac problems, Jennifer experienced a traumatic cardiac event. The quick action of her children and husband surely saved her life. She was initially treated at Jersey Shore and placed on the list in need of a donor's heart and quickly transferred to a West Chester hospital where she could receive specialized care and await a transplant. Miraculously she was matched only days later and received her new heart on December 22, 2022. Jen has been amazingly strong throughout it all, however, Jen's fight is not over. The surgery itself is quite traumatic and living with a donor organ requires a lifetime of antirejection medications, each of which carries its own side effects and complications. Cardiac rehabilitation, physical and occupational therapies are among the many services Jen requires. In addition, Jen has been rehospitalized in New York several times since her surgery to help her manage complications. She is a true warrior and has maintained her ever-present smile and positive attitude.

Jen has worn many hats - daughter, sister, friend, Farmingdale native, Howell High graduate, Montclair State and Georgian Court alumnae, Farmingdale Methodist Daycare teacher, etc but the titles she is most proud of are wife and mother. Manny, Thomas and Gracie are her world and her motivation. Regardless of how you know Jen, you know that she is always quick to step in and offer her help. She is generous, kind and thoughtful. She never asks for help for herself, nor does Manny. And they aren't asking now. But I am, and they need us. While insurance covers many of the medical expenses incurred, it doesn't cover everything. While there are many obstacles in front of Jen and her family during her recovery, debilitating medical and related care expenses shouldn't be something they need to worry about.

I hope you will join me in supporting Jen through her recovery, and I genuinely thank you for whatever you can do to create a little comfort for my dear friend who is always quick to help others.