Oakridge Moose Lodge plans party to benefit young man needing heart transplant

By DOUG BATES/Editor/The Herald — Tyler Jones of Oakridge needs a new heart. And a little help from his community. The Oakridge Moose Lodge has stepped up and plans a party to benefit the young man at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30, at the lodge.

Tyler, 27, is an Oakridge native and graduate of Oakridge High School. Two years ago he was diagnosed with chronic systolic heart failure. It was determined at that time he would need a heart transplant and was put on a waiting list.

He wears an electronic piece that keeps his heart beating at all times, and can not be out of cell phone service in case a donor is available, said Leann Baker, senior regent of the lodge.

“In school he played football and baseball and was active in hunting, fishing and camping,” she said. “When a donor heart becomes ready for him he has four hours to get to Portland hospital and is required to get there on his own.”

Tyler makes frequent trips to Eugene each week for blood work and check-ins, and he travels to Portland often to have his machine checked and visit his doctor, Leann said. He has already had many surgeries to try to repair his heart, but in the end he is in need of a transplant because of his diagnosis of eosinophilic myocarditis.

Open to the public, the Moose Lodge party will feature a band, pizza and specialty drinks. There will be a $2 cover charge. The lodge is at 48086 Highway 58, across from Ray’s Food Place.

The lodge’s motto:  “A burden heavy to one is borne lightly by many.”