Ottawa college student chopping locks to raise money for friend’s dad’s second heart transplant
Posted Dec 21, 2021 02:00:00 PM.
Jim Maveety and his wife Marah have been loud voices for organ donation awareness in Ottawa, but they're in need of help, and members of the community are stepping up to support them.
The Maveetys became strong advocates for organ donation after Jim underwent a heart transplant more than five years ago. Unfortunately, his health has deteriorated once again and he'll need yet another heart.
Jack Casselman, a friend of Maveety's son, has decided to try and raise $5,000 for the Jim's Hearts fundraiser by cutting his long, blonde hair. Gino Romano from Nick’s Barber Shop in Manotick is set to host an event on December 23, where they hope to celebrate reaching the goal.
Maveety was one of more than 100 Canadian waiting for a heart when he got his first one donated in 2015. It took two years to secure the donation. Now he finds himself back on the wait list.
Maveety was recently diagnosed with cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV), which is an accelerated type of coronary artery disease in people who have had a heart transplant. It changes blood flow to the heart and in the heart muscle itself, leading to the need for a repeat heart transplant.
Casselman and Romano join CityNews' The Sam Laprade Show to talk about the fundraiser:
