JJ's Legacy

Meet. Dr Nick Burrus - born with a weak heart and given just five years to live, he underwent multiple heart surgeries throughout his childhood. Despite being told by one doctor that he wasn't a transplant candidate, his determination led him to Cedars Sinai Hospital, where he received a life-saving heart transplant in January 2020 at the age 29. Dr. Nick Burrus's story is a testament to the life-changing impact of organ donation. Thanks in part to support from JJ's Legacy, which provided grants to help cover medical expenses, travel costs, and rehabilitation, Dr. Burrus has transformed his life post-transplant. His heart function has dramatically improved from below 30% to a healthy 60%. Since his transplant, he's gone on to earn his doctorate in Healthcare Administration, write a book, and start his own consulting business. "Before January 19, 2020, I had spent my whole life thinking in the shorter term," says Dr. Burrus. "And because of one family's very difficult decision and the continued generosity of my community, I feel like I no longer have an "expiration date." And I'm so, so grateful." Nick's story represents hope for the more than 400 Kern County residents currently awaiting organ transplants. You can read more about Nick’s story in the November issue of Greet Seven Oaks #DonateLife #OrganDonation #TransplantCommunity #KernCounty #NonprofitImpact #JJsLegacy #HopeHeals #CommunitySupport #HeartTransplant

Thanks to our incredible community's support, JJ's Legacy has already touched 73 Kern County families in 2024, walking alongside them on their transplant journeys. Through our financial assistance grants and fuel transportation program, we've provided over $70,000 to help families focus on what matters most - healing and hope. Every event you attend, every dollar you give, ripples out to strengthen our transplant community. Your heart for giving makes this possible. ?? #DonateLife #TransplantCommunity #KernCounty #JJsLegacy #CommunityImpact #GivingHope

?? Tomorrow's the night we've all been waiting for! ???? We'll see you at Grillin' & Brewin', Saturday, November 16, 2024 at the AIS & RBI Facility Festivities begin at 5:00 PM ?? Mouthwatering BBQ by Ridge Route Boys ?? Live country music with local star, Joe Peters & Leaving Austin ?? Live Auction ???? Line dancing Most of all, be ready to enjoy great company and community spirit! Visit https://lnkd.in/gURm7Y-K for tickets, sponsorships & more information. Tickets will also be available at the door. #GrillinAndBrewin2024 #CommunitySupport #JJsLegacy

Happy World Kindness Day! Today, let's remember that every act of kindness, no matter how small, matters. You never know whose life you might change with one simple gesture. ???? #WorldKindnessDay #KindnessMatters #BeTheGood #SpreadJoy #JJsLegacy #CommunityLove #RandomActsofKindness

We're delighted to welcome Karen Navarro, a senior at CSUB, to our team. As our newest intern, Karen brings fresh energy and new ideas. She's already jumping in to help strengthen our mission of supporting Kern County's transplant community, and we're so excited for you to get to know her. #JJsLegacy #DonateLife #OrganDonation #BakersfieldCA #CSUB #KernCounty #NonprofitIntern #TransplantCommunity #InternshipProgram #CommunityService #KernCommunity #BakersfieldCommunity #OrganDonationAwareness #StudentIntern #GiftOfLife

November is National Caregivers Month. Caregivers are an important part of many transplant journeys–?from late-night medicine reminders to warm meals, doctor's appointments, and being that shoulder to lean on. To all the caregivers who make life's precious moments possible: thank you for your endless love and support!????? #CaregiversMakeLifePossible #JJsLegacy #November #DonateLife #OrganDonationAwareness #TransplantJourney #NationalFamilyCaregiversMonth #NFCMonth #familycaregivers

Paired kidney donation creates opportunities when a willing donor and intended recipient are incompatible. It works by connecting two or more donor-recipient pairs, allowing them to "swap" donors for compatible matches. This innovative approach expands the living donor pool, giving more patients a chance at life-saving transplants. It's a testament to medical ingenuity and human cooperation in overcoming barriers to organ donation. #PairedKidneyDonation #OrganTransplant #MedicalInnovation #KidneySwap #LivingDonation #TransplantMatch #DonorChain #SaveALife #DonateLife #KidneyHealth #TransplantAwareness #OrganDonationFacts #JJsLegacy #GotTheDot

Through Got The Dot, we're empowering students to educate their peers about organ, eye, and tissue donation. The impact is best described by the students themselves: Carter Beardsley, a third-year member, highlighted that GTD has empowered members to recognize "that we have the potential to drive the change of tomorrow, ensuring that everyone registers as donors. Got the Dot has provided members with the necessary tools to bring about this change on our campuses, in our homes, and in our broader community." Second-year member Ali Matney has embodied GTD's mission by stating, "GTD has not only allowed me to contribute to my community and co-found a high school club but has also supported my educational journey by granting me a scholarship." Gurpreet Nijjar, a second-year member, has found the knowledge gained valuable, saying, "I would not have been informed about organ registration and would have continued ot believe in harmful misconceptions." These are the inspiring testimonials that students share with their peers and community members. May we ask for your support through sponsorship, reserved tables, individual event tickets, or donations of goods for our fundraising auction? It is invaluable to us. Thank you in advance for supporting JJ's Legacy and our mission. Together, we are creating a meaningful impact! #GotTheDot?#JJsLegacy?#GrillinandBrewin2024#OrganDonationAwareness?#StudentLeaders#YouthEmpowerment?#CommunityImpact#EducationForChange?#DonateLife#SponsorshipOpportunity?#FundraiserEvent #MakingADifference?#StudentTestimonials#OrganEyeTissueDonation?#HighSchoolClub#ScholarshipSupport?#CommunityEducation#YouthInAction?#Changemakers?#SupportOurCause #TogetherWeCanSaveLives

?? Flashback to last year's sizzling Grillin' & Brewin'! ???? Join us this year for Grillin' & Brewin' 2024 at the AIS & RBI Facility . Event Night: Saturday, November 16, 2024 ?? Festivities begin at 5:00 PM ?? Mouthwatering BBQ by Ridge Route Boys ?? Live country music with local star, Joe Peters ?? Live Auction ???? Line dancing Most of all, be ready to enjoy great company and community spirit! Visit the link in our bio for tickets, sponsorships & more information. #GrillinAndBrewin2024 #CommunitySupport #JJsLegacy

Carter's words remind us why we do what we do. We're not just educating; we're inspiring a generation to take action and save lives. This is the ripple effect of Got the Dot—creating informed, passionate champions for organ donation who are ready to make a real difference. #GotTheDot?#YouthEmpowerment#OrganDonationAwareness?#JJsLegacy?#StudentLeaders#CommunityImpact?#EducationForChange#NextGeneration?#SaveLives?#DonateLife#YouthInAction?#MakingADifference