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Date: 11/17/2020
WEST SPRINGFIELD – Devin Jones, a 13-year-old West Springfield middle school student, required a heart transplant after being rushed to Boston Children’s Hospital on Oct. 27.
On Nov 15, his family’s wish came true when a heart was found and he underwent transplant surgery that night.
As of press time on Nov. 16, the family was waiting to see if the surgery was successful, according to his aunt, Trish Carlson.
According Carlson, Jones’ heart began failing on Oct. 27. His family learned that Jones was born with these heart problems but wasn’t noticeably affected by them until now.
Carlson said Jones went through major surgery upon his arrival at the hospital, and the doctors added a device called an ecmo that was put in to help support his heart for the time being. A left ventricular assist device (LVAD) was also added for pump assistance, according to Carlson. According to Stanford Health Care’s website, a LVAD is a “battery-operated, mechanical pump, which then helps the left ventricle (main pumping chamber in heart) pump blood to the rest of the body.”
Carlson explained the doctors were certain his heart would not be able to recover and a transplant was his best chance.
In response to the situation, Carlson has created a GoFundMe page, titled “Donations For Devin,” for Jones and his mother, Sheri Carlson. The money raised by local residents in the area will assist with transplant expenses, as well as other family expenses, such as hotels and food.
“I hate that he has to go through this. We are all shocked … but this is happening and we are trying the best we can each day to be as strong as we can for him,” Carlson said on the GoFundMe page. “Anything you can spare will help.”
Due to the unexpected nature of the situation, Carlson said that they don’t know how long the family will need to stay in Boston for. At the moment, Jones’ mother, who has three kids, is unable to work.
They are also unsure how long Jones will need to stay in the hospital.
On the GoFundMe page, Carlson highlighted how Jones has always been a healthy boy who loves to watch and play sports and video games. She describes him as a “the sweetest and most caring/loveable kid.”
“Devin is a son, brother, grandson, nephew, uncle, cousin, friend, and so much more,” said Carlson. “He is extremely loved.”
To donate or share the GoFundMe page, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/cgg39-donations-for-devin. As of Nov. 16, the campaign had raised over $19,000, and the number was rising.
Updates on his condition can also be found at the bottom of the page. Carlson posts updates regularly.
“We are truly blessed to have such amazing people that are so kind and caring,” said Carlson. “We are blessed to have amazing family and friends to help us all get through this.”