Noel's Heart

On Friday, April 21st, Noel Taylor had a severe, sudden heart attack gripping his heart and bringing him to his knees. He was whisked by ambulance to St. Vincent Hospital and received immediate surgery and placement of a lifesaving stent. The biggest artery to his heart (LAD - left anterior descending artery) was blocked by plaque and a large blood clot. They call this type of heart attack the Widowmaker as the LAD brings blood and oxygen to a large part of the heart and people often don't survive this type of heart attack. He was lucky his artery was in good enough shape to have a stint and not need a bypass.

Janae "Jan" was in Seattle when she learned of the heart attack. She was able to speak to the surgeon briefly before and after surgery and returned immediately to be at Noel's side. The damage was moderate but extensive. Noel had been minutes away from severe damage and only about 10 minutes away from passing away. Noel had quite a few visitors to the Cardiac ICU and felt very loved and lucky to be alive. 

On Saturday evening, Noel started sneezing, coughing and became extremely cold. Janae was worried about Pneumonia or an infection and later realized she should ask for a Covid test. Unfortunately, Noel tested positive for Covid on Sunday afternoon. Noel is home recovering from his heart attack, adjusting to new medications, and is in the thralls of Covid. Janae has been by his side nurturing and caring for him so it is not surprisingly she is now herself in the thralls of Covid. 

Our friends, Noel and Janae need our help! Noel won't be able to work for quite some time while he recovers so will have no income coming in. As Janae is supporting Noel and recovering from Covid, she has already exhausted her sick time and will soon exhaust her paid time off. She may need to apply for a family medical leave of absence (FMLA) which means her job will be secure however it will be unpaid. Unfortunately, St. Vincent Hospital is out of network for their insurance and the medical costs are already overwhelming and growing. Noel may also need additional surgery and stents for two of his smaller arteries down the road. They are facing medical bills, prescription drug costs and will need financial assistance for their living expenses. 

 Many of us are facing difficult financial stresses but the financial distress and stress for Noel and Janae is overwhelming and dire. I am asking you to give what you can. Any token or gift would be deeply appreciated. 

Ways to give from near or far: 

1. Participate in the Meal Train. Noel and Janae's appetite is diminished. They are unable to smell or taste however nutrition is an essential part of healing. 

2. Send them a gift card to a grocery store, Instacart, GrubHub or DoorDash 

3. Contribute to Gofundme.  

4. Send them a card with your favorite memory and share with them what they mean to you. 

Life in many ways is an individual experience. 

We are all limited by our point of view and individual experience. Connection is what makes life meaningful. Without connection, our minds can easily take us to dark places. Noel and Janae have made wonderful connections with so many people through their lives. 

 I am calling on our family of friends and community to exercise our heart and act with empathy to help heal Noel's heart and help bring some light to their lives. 

Noel & Janae’s address: 

6920 SW 92nd #33 

Portland, OR 97223

Janae’s email address: [email redacted]

 With love and light, RaYoung