Jennifer Dotson Hunt Medical Fundraiser

We are hosting a fundraiser to support our friend Jennifer Dotson Hunt for her medical costs. She has never asked for help, and as her friends, we simply want to bless them in any way possible.

According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the number one killer in America. Heart disease and stroke cause 1 in 3 deaths among women - more than all cancers combined. Today Jennifer, at age 44, is considered at the “end stage” of treatments after she has endured multiple cardiac ablations and exhausted all medication therapy combinations available. Thank you for visiting and we hope you consider donating to this worthy lady with a heart of gold.

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Jennifer's Story

Our precious friend Jennifer Dotson Hunt has faced more heartbreaking adversity than most of us can imagine, yet her faith in God and her purpose on earth has never been more cemented. Jennifer’s family has been shadowed by unexplained deaths, scary health events and a loss for explanations until Jennifer pressed on for answers. After Jennifer’s 15-year-old son Hunter fell asleep and didn’t wake up, an autopsy was done that would provide answers years later. Jennifer’s family, it was discovered, has a genetic health condition that is a silent killer among her kin. Up until recently, it was believed to be attributed to one gene. However, a second gene was discovered earlier this year leading to an additional mitochondrial disease diagnosis (MELAS Syndrome). The talented group at Erlanger Hospital found a link through whole exome genetic sequencing that explained the deaths of her mom, sister, son and the symptoms she was experiencing with extreme heart rhythms, fatigue, and attacks that left her hospitalized many times.

The genes cause Jennifer to suffer various heart issues such as dilated cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure, atrial tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutters, prolonged QT intervals, PVC’s and recurring ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation events. The mitochondrial disease is attacking her heart but is also impacting other major body systems (i.e., neurological, ocular, myopathy/fibromyalgia, ear/nose/throat, extreme weight loss, etc).

She has an implantable defibrillator/pacemaker combo unit, which has provided the lifesaving/resuscitative measures needed when she experienced “fatal” arrhythmias. She is on a trial medication that doctors hope will prolong another major heart event. They indicate they are merely buying time with this experimental medication. Ultimately, she may face a 12 hour surgery, which is considered very critical and dangerous. The surgery will require her to be on bypass for the duration as two cardiac surgeons operate on both the inside and outside of her heart at the same time. She’s currently on 12 individual medications and her heart monitor is closely observed, feeding live episodes or potential attacks immediately to her heart doctor.

Jennifer and her husband Daniel Hunt are graduates of Red Bank High School in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Jenn is 44 years old and a mother to 14-year-old daughter Madison Hope. Through Jennifer’s efforts and research, she has enabled many relatives to be tested for these conditions and prevented similar events among her family members. Her niece has since tested positive for the gene and had an ICD installed within months of the positive test. Many others in her family need testing for this deadly genetic condition and lack the insurance necessary to have the testing covered. As a side note, the family welcomes any input on ideas, grants or avenues to have more of her family tested, so those impacted can have a chance at a longer life.

We are conducting this fundraiser for Jennifer for many reasons. The out-of-pocket costs for medications she takes are burdensome. She has been unable to work since 2018 due to these conditions. Jennifer is the last to ask for help and the first to volunteer to aid others. Many on her social media enjoy her gifted voice and musical talents. Her love for Jesus and belief that she is called to make a difference are paramount.

Ultimately, Madison’s well-being and security is the most essential thing to Jennifer. She shares, “I am really humbled by this offer and all of your support. We appreciate the generosity of others and mainly ask that you pray for my continued health and access to treatments, in addition to that of my family members who similarly face this genetic heart condition. I want to see my daughter grow up and fulfill her dreams. My prayer is to be able to enjoy my remaining time with my family, honor my son’s memory and help other relatives unwind this puzzle that is in our DNA. I thank God for each day I am alive to be with my daughter and my husband, and I thank God for all of you and your support and prayers!”