“Defy the verdict with blazing determination,” says Jonathan Ortepi, to describe his philosophy for self-reliance.

Jonathan is a father of two beautiful kids, a husband, a brother, a son and a friend to many. Most of all, he is a man of compassion, creativity and devotion to his family who puts those he loves and respects first before himself.

But the moment has now come when he and his family are calling on those who are able and willing to help.

At 23 years of age, Jonathan was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis, which he describes as, “a smouldering battle because it’s always lingering in the background.” Although that has been an ongoing 20-year battle, he has never been in full remission. Now, unfortunately, a secondary inflammatory disease, known as primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), has affected his liver.

The potential danger is a full-blown sclerosis of the liver or liver disease. While there is no specific cure for PSC, what patients need is a liver transplant.

Jonathan was placed on the transplant list as of October 20, 2023. “There is a sense of urgency for getting a live donor, specifically, because my doctors want to be able to strike this balance of being healthy enough to receive the liver so that the surgery can go as smoothly as possible,” says Jonathan.

Jonathan’s loving wife, Sabrina, constantly reminds him of the importance of keeping a positive vibe for the mind, body, and soul. He does so through spending time with his family, not taking anything for granted and making time for his creative passion — custom-designing sneakers. At the onset of the COVID pandemic, Jonathan created 905 Klean Kicks, an online business operated solely through Instagram that has flourished beautifully.

“My customers and the entire community have been fantastic. As I go through what I’m going through now, they have pulled together and rallied for me. It’s awesome to see,” says Jonathan.

While some may see this as a devastating moment, the Ortepi family sees it as a new beginning. That is why they are reaching out to anyone able and willing to donate a portion of their liver (a living donor). If you are between the ages of 16 and 60 with a blood type of O or B, this can be a life-saving gift.

The first requirement for the donor is to know their blood type. If you are a match, then you can be potentially eligible to donate a portion of your liver. If you are not of this blood type, you can still be considered if you apply. The liver is a complex but wonderful organ that can regenerate within hours in both the recipient and donor.

All information regarding this process can be found at the Toronto General Hospital Transplant website below. If you or anyone you know wants to help, the portal below is now open.

https://www.uhn.ca/Transplant/Living_Donor_Program

A message from the Ortepi Family: “We can’t thank you all enough, family and friends. We thank you all for your continued prayers; they are always welcome. Your love and support are appreciated and not unnoticed. Sending you lots of love.”

A special thank you goes to Dr. Lawrence Cohen at Sunnybrook Hospital, Dr. Gideon Hirschfield at Toronto General Hospital and Carlo Colaiacovo for all your ongoing care, positive spirit and relentless selflessness.

905 Klean Kicks
@905kleankicks