Clay Fell was diagnosed with Limb Girdle 2I Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD2I) when he was 5 years old. Clay’s heart is the only involuntary muscle weakened by the disease.  His sister Addison also had LGMD2I and in conjunction with his ejection fraction continuing to decrease over the years & the fast decline of her heart resulting in her death in 2022; Clay is now 18 years old and in need of a heart transplant.

He was referred to Mayo Clinic for testing and was put on an IV medication that he receives weekly through his chest PICC directly to his heart.  He will remain on this medication until he is offered a new heart and will need to visit Rochester every couple of months for follow up. Clay is confined to a wheelchair.  Because of the Hoyer lift needed to transfer him between his bed and wheelchair, travel and hotels are difficult and expensive to find.  Once the transplant occurs, Clay and his mom, Rebecca Wilson, will relocate to Rochester and his step-father (Jay) and step-brother (Cade) will join them on weekends.  A hotel will most likely be the relocation residence since finding a wheelchair accessible home is very difficult.

When you donate online to Clay’s fundraiser, Lend A Hand Up will boost your gift 20%.  All money goes directly to the family to help with expansive medical expenses, prescriptions, travel and lodging.  Cash/Checks must be made payable to Rebecca Wilson and gifted directly to the family.