Benefit event scheduled for this Saturday for Jake Bollman following third open heart surgery

Jake Bollman of Waterville recently underwent the third open heart surgery of his life at the age of 23 and is said to be recovering well. At his annual check-up earlier this year, it was discovered that he had a previously repaired heart valve that was once again leaking and that the left side of his heart was swollen.

Bollman had the option of replacing the valve with one taken from a pig or receiving a mechanical valve. The valve from the pig option would only last six years and likely require another open heart surgery to replace again, so he opted for the mechanical valve in hopes that this would be his last open heart surgery.

However, with the mechanical valve, Bollman will have to be on a blood thinner the rest of his life and will continue to require numerous laboratory blood draws and doctor visits over the next several months. A benefit event is being planned for this Saturday, November 26 to help him pay for medical expenses and medication costs.

That benefit event will take place at the Vet's Club, located at 105 Allamakee Street in Waukon, beginning at 3 p.m. and including a meal, silent and live auctions, raffles and live DJ music. For more information about the benefit, contact Casey Bollman at 563-568-8407 or see the advertisement on Page 9A of this week's issue of The Standard. An account to deposit donations to benefit Bollman has also been set up at Waukon State Bank.

Jake Bollman is a 2011 graduate of Waukon High School. He is the son of Don and Kristy Bollman of Waterville and a brother to Jason, Casey and Cody Bollman.