News

'Heart for Jadyn' auction is set for 5-year-old

Jadyn Cash needs a heart transplant because of a rare heart disease.

By Bill Moss, Published: March 10, 2015

Artists from all over have donated fine works of art in response to a Hendersonville child's need for a new heart.

The art will be shown on Friday from 4-6 p.m. Although some items will be offered for sale, the event is mainly a preview of works to be sold at a fundraising auction on Saturday at 1:30 p.m.
Friday's event will feature jazz performances by Elise Pratt and Mike Holstein. Heavy hors d'oeuvres and wine will be served. Local news anchor for WLOS-TV Jay Siltzer will be the auctioneer on Saturday. Both the preview and auction will be held at the Lodge at Mills River, 5593 Old Haywood Road, in Mills River.
Funds raised at the event, called "A Heart for Jadyn," will assist the family of young Jadyn Cash with expenses associated with a heart transplant the child must have in order to survive.
Jadyn Cash looks like a normal, healthy 5-year-old — energetic, happy
and filled with wonder. Sadly, though, her little body is slowly failing her. Jadyn suffers from the same heart disorder that took the life of her 6-year-old brother, DeShaun, last September.
DeShaun's death, from a rare version of restricted hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, was sudden and unexpected. The disease causes the walls of the heart to thicken, making it difficult for it to do its job. The form of the ailment DeShaun and Jadyn were both born with shows no signs or symptoms as their condition deteriorates. DeShaun was excitedly showing off a new pair of socks when his little heart suddenly failed him, and he died. His sudden passing prompted doctors to focus on his little sister.
Jadyn is currently on the list for a heart transplant that could possibly save her life. The surgery will be performed at Egleston Children's Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. Although both parents are employed, the cost of the procedure and the follow-up care the child will need are overwhelming.
Chae Davis is vice president and general manager of Shuler funeral Home, which served the Cash family when young DeShaun passed away.
"It was the following week that we learned from the family that 5-year-old Jadyn suffers from the same condition that took her brother, and that her only chance is a heart transplant," she said. "That's when we took on the project of raising funds for her medical needs with the hope that she will have a happy and healthy future."
Donations may be made to a special account set up under the name "A Heart for Jadyn" at any Wells Fargo Bank or they may be taken or mailed to Shuler Funeral Home, 125 Orr's Camp Road, off US 64 E near Interstate 26. For more information call 828-606-2965.