On June 12, 2014, Jake Calhoun, originally from Stevens Point, Wisconsin, traveled to Florida to compete in the Wrestling World Team Trials. He was a strong, healthy man, who not only competed, but was also the head wrestling coach at Muhlenberg College in Pennsylvania. After an outdoor workout, he became extremely dehydrated, suffered a heat stroke and lost consciousness. These issues led to liver failure, acute encephalopathy and a kidney injury. Doctors said a liver transplant was crucial to his survival.

Thankfully, he received the lifesaving transplant on June 23, 2014.

This sudden, unexpected health crisis has completely jarred the stability and normalcy of his life. Jake is incredibly grateful for the love and support of his parents, who have relocated to Florida to serve as his caregivers while he recovers. It's been difficult to be so far away from his family and friends, as most of his tight-knit support group is in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. 

Wrestling has been a lifelong commitment for Jake; he loves coaching and competing at both the national and international levels. While going through months of rehabilitation, he won't be able to participate in the sport, and he's already anxious to return to coaching. He's always been very active and loves being outdoors whether he's camping, kayaking, fishing or rock climbing, and he looks forward to being healthy enough to return to his active lifestyle. More than anything, he wants to live life to the fullest and share his love and laughter with the world around him. 

The average liver transplant costs approximately $575,000. Even with health insurance, he still faces significant medical expenses related to the surgery. He will need a lifetime of follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications. These medications are very costly, and they're as important to his survival as the transplant itself. 

You can help by making a tax-deductible donation to NFT in honor of Jake. If you'd prefer to send your gift by mail, please send it to the NFT Florida Transplant Fund, 5350 Poplar Avenue, Suite 430, Memphis, TN 38119. Please be sure to write "in honor of Jacob Calhoun" on the memo line.

Patient Health Institute: Shands at the University of Florida