Hello everyone,
My name is Jay Herbert, and I’m reaching out with a heavy heart, but also with hope. This past year has been incredibly difficult for me, and I’ve come to a place where I truly need help.
Seven years ago, I lost my mother to a sudden heart attack. She was not just my mom—she was my best friend, my daily companion, and someone I loved with all my heart. I spent many years taking care of her. I did the cooking, the cleaning, took her to all of her doctor’s appointments, and made sure the bills were paid on time. We had a little routine we loved—every week, I would take her to her favorite restaurant. We’d laugh, talk, and just enjoy each other’s company. Grocery shopping together became a small ritual that brought us both joy.
The night before she passed away, we sat together and watched Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery. I still remember us laughing out loud—real, genuine laughter. It was one of the last beautiful moments we shared, and it’s a memory I will hold close for the rest of my life. The next day, she was gone. Losing a parent is never easy, but that loss shattered me. For a long time, I didn’t know how to go on without her.
Then, just last year, I lost my father to COVID. He and I had our ups and downs, but I always loved him. His death reopened a wound that had barely healed. To lose both of my parents within a few years has been one of the most painful experiences of my life. I now find myself alone, struggling with both grief and survival.
In the middle of all this, I’ve also been dealing with serious health challenges of my own. I suffer from intermittent atrial fibrillation—a heart condition that causes irregular heartbeats. It comes and goes, but when it hits, it leaves me exhausted, dizzy, and weak. The medication I take helps, but it also makes me incredibly tired. It’s a delicate balance: I need the medicine to function, but it also takes a toll on my energy.
The hardest part is that I don’t have healthcare insurance. Every doctor’s visit, every refill of medication, every test—it all comes out of pocket. On top of that, I’m trying to keep up with rent, utility bills, and food costs while actively searching for a full-time job. It feels like I’m drowning, and no matter how hard I try, I just can’t keep my head above water.
Through all of this, I do have one bright light in my life—my dog, Jada. She’s my loyal companion and truly one of the few sources of comfort I have left. She’s been by my side through everything—grief, loneliness, illness. But even with Jada, I’m struggling. I need help getting her up to date on her vaccinations and basic veterinary care. She deserves the best, and right now, I can’t give that to her on my own.
I’ve always prided myself on being a kind and compassionate person. I cared deeply for my mother because love guided me. I’ve never been afraid of hard work or helping others. But today, I’m the one who needs help—and that’s not easy to admit.
If you’ve ever lost someone close, or struggled with illness, or felt like the weight of life was just too heavy to carry alone—then maybe you’ll understand where I’m coming from. I’m humbly asking for support to help me get through this difficult chapter of my life. Your donation will go directly toward:
Medical bills and prescriptions for my atrial fibrillation
Food and basic necessities
Utility bills and rent
Transportation to medical appointments
Basic vet care and vaccinations for my dog, Jada
Stability while I search for full-time employment
Any amount you can give—no matter how small—will make a huge difference. And if you can’t donate right now, I completely understand. Just sharing this story with others would mean the world to me.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Thank you for your compassion, your kindness, and your support. I know my mother would be proud of me for reaching out—and I know she’d be so grateful to anyone willing to help her son during his time of need.
With love and hope,
Jay Herbert and Jada
