In 2012, while out for his daily run, Jones began to have a strange feeling in his lungs. He described it as feeling like he was breathing through sponges. Being the avid runner that he was, he knew something was off and requested to be seen by his doctor as soon as possible. After 24 hours of heart monitoring and appointments with two cardiologists, the athlete was diagnosed with viral cardiomyopathy.
Unsure of what his condition entailed, Jones returned to his comfort zone and began hitting the gym as usual. Amidst the blood, sweat, and tears, his symptoms began to worsen.
Fatigue and shortness of breath transformed into pain and weakness. Jones could barely stand for more than 10 minutes at a time when he was feeling his worst. He had suffered from heart failure, and after being rushed to the hospital, he was informed that he needed a heart transplant. Without the transplant, Jones would not survive for much longer.
With the help of an artificial heart and pacemaker, Jones is still awaiting a heart transplant after almost two years.
He has learned to never take a single day for granted and to enjoy every moment.
Read more: http://www.viralnova.com/fitness-model-needs-a-heart/