The Road to Recovery for Jason Helm

For anyone who doesn’t know Jason and Kailtyn Helm, they are a young couple living in Grey Bruce. Jason is well known for his awesome sense of humour and love for animals. Kaitlyn is the kindest most selfless person you will ever meet, she is well known for her love of sports and going out hiking with their two dogs Lilly and Oakley. Jason and Kaitlyn are both kind hearted and genuinely amazing people. Both also play an important role in our community. Many people in Grey Bruce know this amazing couple and at some point one of them have probably touched your life in some way.

 

Jason has battled Cystic Fibrosis his whole life and Kaitlyn has been there by his side as his biggest supporter for the past ten years. Jason has had countless hospital admissions, been on multiple medications and continuously is affected by the negative effects of his CF. For those of you who don’t know Cystic Fibrosis is a life altering genetic disorder that effects primarily the lungs but also effects the pancreas, liver, kidneys and intestines. There is no cure for CF and people with this diagnosis require close monitoring for their whole life.

 

In March of 2021 Jason was given the devastating news that his liver was starting to fail. Recently Jason was admitted to St. Mikes Hospital in Toronto and was told that there is no more waiting and he will need a liver transplant. He is now on a wait list for a new liver. The wait list can be lengthily and during that time a failing liver can start to negatively impact other organs in the body. A donor from a deceased individual can take around six months to obtain. A living donor, if the right match can take up to a few months to organize. Jason can only accept an O+ or O- donor.

 

During this time Jason isn't working and will be unable to work when transplant occurs. Jason doesn't have coverage through his work as he works casually in two different positions. Kaitlyn has been driving back and forth to Toronto and also working full time to try and make ends meet. This not only is an emotionally difficult time but also a financially difficult time for this couple.

 

Once Jason finds a match and receives his life saving surgery he will be in Toronto General hospital for 7-10 days. He will then be discharged but expected to stay in Toronto for another week. Jason and Kaitlyn will be expected to find living arrangements and pay out of pocket for a minimum of a weeks stay. Once Jason is cleared to go home he will have check ups twice weekly in Toronto. He cannot drive for a minimum of three months and will require full time care once home for a few weeks. Full recovery generally takes 3-6 months provided there are no complications. During this time Kaitlyn will need to be off work in order to care for Jason and take him to and from appointments.

 

These are two of the most selfless people who would never ask for anything. This is a very difficult time both emotionally and financially for this couple. Anything you can give is much appreciated. All money that is donated goes directly to Jason’s care and to help support this young couple with travel and living expenses during this long road to recovery. Messages of encouragement and support are also greatly appreciated to help keep both Jason and Kaitlyn’s spirits up during this difficult time. Thank you all in advance for your love and support.