Jadem6 stumbled... but hasn't fallen. Yet.


If I am overstepping the line in writing on my own initiative... please be tolerant with me. Moderators are most welcome to consider if this is appropriate.

This is about JD Macrae, known to most of us as Jadem6 or the JD behind Jade Audio --one of the most meticulous audiophiles & generous with his knowledge (see his recent classic on diy cables). I have corresponded with JD, on & off over the past ¬10 years... & although I live 1/2 round the world, JD has been a friend from afar, so to speak.
Now JD needs us, all of us...

Few know that JD is an architect by trade, husband, & father of three children, who suffered a huge heart attack around 12 years ago. With a 4-ple bypass & only ¬20% of his heart function left, JD abandoned his previous life. He adapted to a new lifestyle & of course, so did the children and his wife Julie. Against all odds & medical expectations JD is still with us, albeit with very limited capabilities of late (you've probably noticed he's not posting that often...).

To put it bluntly, JD needs a heart transplant to go on living. Further and following that, JD will need medication & medical attention constantly, to keep the new heart from being rejected and ticking happily -- for the rest of his life.
His family needs the money to pay insurance premiums (thank God he has some cover), doctors, tests, & medication costs, on a monthly basis.

The National Foundation for Transplants (NFT) is trying to help JD & his family; NFT is helping the family organise a support campaign.

I urge you to visit www (dot)transplants (dot)org; select "patients we help" and search for J.D. Macrae, where the story is clearly outlined.

In short, any support helps (unfortunately, JD is not in Government bail-out league!).

JD will also need stamina, courage, and love from family and friends'; I'm certain he has plenty of that.
gregm
This is just a quick update for those who wish to follow my progress as events unfold. A life long friend and I have been working on setting up a “Caring Bridge” website. This will become a clearing house for future updates (both medical and personal) on an as needed basis, and likely every couple weeks until the surgery, then most likely daily for some time.

I encourage you to log into my site http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jademacrae where we have already posted “my story” which provides some background on my family and me. I also have updates on my latest health and personal information. If you wish to sign my log book or offer your wishes, please feel free to do so.

Thanks for the support and love.
This news is a long time coming, but I just returned home from 12 days in the hospital where I received a heart transplant! I hurt and am tired, but so very excited for a better future after 17 years of being very sick.

To those of my Audiogon friends who have followed me, thank you for your prayers and support.
So happy to hear that you are home and feeling well enough to fire up your 'puter and post here. Keep on keepin' on, my friend.
Congrats on the new heart my friend!
May it last you many, many more healthy years!!