Jacob, was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure and failure to thrive at just three months old, but he and his family never lost hope and together they overcame a lot. Growing up with this condition was a journey full of ups and downs - many challenges but also many blessings. In 2021, Jacob received a heart transplant at the age of 16. It all seemed to be going well until doctors discovered that he had developed moderate Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy (CAV), which is an accelerated form of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). CAV is usually seen in patients who are 10-20 years post transplant, or who are non-compliant with their medications. Jacob is very compliant with his medications and less than 3 years post transplant. After a couple scary moments with cardiac arrest and seizures Jacob has undergone a second heart transplant at just 19.
Jacob's fight and faith are an inspiration.