Jesse is a sweet and affectionate nonverbal 7-year-old boy who loves music, nature, community theater, and meeting new people.
Jesse was born with a ventricular septal heart defect (VSD). This congenital heart condition causes a defect in the ventricular septum (the wall dividing the left and right ventricles of the heart) and creates holes in his heart. This condition most often is associated with trisomy 21, also known as Down syndrome, which Jesse was diagnosed with during pregnancy.
Jesse had two separate surgeries that addressed two large holes in his heart. Doctors patched these holes with mesh patches that helped create proper chambers and allow his heart to grow properly and efficiently.
For the most part, Jesse’s heart is stable besides a slight murmur caused by a few very small holes that doctors are hoping he will grow out of. Jesse will have regular echocardiograms to monitor his heart for his entire life.
Jesse is also extremely susceptible to choking and is monitored closely when he eats or drinks. He also has hypotonia (weakness in joints and muscles) that affects his posture and movement, and hypothyroidism that affects his energy and growth.
Jesse is currently enrolled in physical therapy and has incredible people around him who love him and keep him safe and thriving.
Jesse is very social and loves to meet people. He doesn’t always comprehend danger, so he does require a constant watchful eye, but he is always eager to spend time adventuring and exploring the world around him.
Jesse will be adopted as the Sparrow to Grants Pass High School. GPHS students will work hard to earn money for Jesse through sponsored community service.
