Have a Heart Benefit for Joe Blaha

February 19 event to help heart transplant recipient Joe Blaha

            Joseph and Linda Blaha lived in Jefferson Township for 26 years and raised four children (Joseph, John, James,
and Jessica) before recently retiring to Pennsylvania.  However, plagued with many years of heart-related health crises, enjoying retirement was interrupted when doctors
told Joe that he needed a heart transplant. The prayers of his family were answered when, on September 2, Joe received a gift of life through an anonymous organ donor.

            With many friends still in New Jersey and two of their four children still residing in Jefferson, their ties to the community remain very strong. With this in mind, they are looking to their former neighbors, friends,and acquaintances to support a Have a Heart Benefit in honor of Joe Blaha on Sunday,February 19 at Madonna Hall at St. John Vianney R.C. Church located at 2823 Route 23 in Stockholm, NJ from 1 to 5 pm.  Proceeds from the event will be used to help offset the insurmountable medical bills connected with Joe’s recent heart transplant.

            Joe, Sr. underwent a heart transplant last September and has been fighting complications ever since,
forcing him to stay at the hospital at the University of Pennsylvania, continually moving in and out of ICU.  Just
recently transferred to cardiac rehab in Philadelphia, Joe is currently fighting the fight of his life with his wife Linda constantly at his side fully realizing that this strenuous journey is resulting in staggering medical bills. Already, many uninsured medical expenses have accumulated and will continue to grow because of the need for follow-up
appointments and anti-rejection medications.  Even with insurance, the cost of transplantation is overwhelming; and because of this, the Blaha family continues to rely on those with giving and caring hearts. 

            On February 19, there will be a buffet luncheon with entertainment, raffles, and a 50/50 to help the Blaha
family.  Tickets are $30 per adult and $10 for children 2 and under and can be pre-purchased by writing a check
payable to HelpHopeLive with a note in the memo section “In Honor of Joe Blaha” and mailing it to Have a Heart Benefit, PO Box 742, Oak Ridge, NJ 07438.  Pre-purchased tickets will be available for pick-up at the door on the day of the event, but  individuals without tickets can purchase a ticket at the door.  For more event information contact HaveAHeartforJoeBlaha@gmail.com  or call 973-610-1999.

            If you wish to donate an item for the raffle such as electronics, a fine wine gift basket, gift certificates, or gift cards for area businesses, please contact Lori Esposito at HaveaHeartforJoeBlaha@gmail.com  or call 201-317-9355.  All donations will be greatly appreciated. 

            Anyone wishing to make a donation directly to the HelpHopeLive Foundation on Joe Blaha’s behalf can access www.helphopelive.org, by searching for the patient by name: Joseph Blaha or by type: Heart.

            HelpHopeLive is a non-profit organization that has been assisting the transplant community for nearly 30
years.  All contributions are tax deductible, held by the organization in the Mid-Atlantic Heart Transplant Fund,
and administered by the organization for transplant-related expenses only.