Jennifer Fuller of Antioch, left with Malysa Logan of Modesto, who is in need of a second heart transplant. Photo courtesy of Malysa Logan

By Allen Payton

Not long after Antioch Real Estate Broker Rick Fuller started dating his wife Jennifer, she lost her only son, Deon to meningitis in 1998 at the age of four. The couple donated Deon’s organs which saved the lives of four others. A two-year-old girl named Malysa was the recipient of Deon’s heart. Now, 21 years later, that heart is failing and Malysa is need of another transplant.

The Fullers weren’t supposed to know who received their son’s heart. But, a year later Jennifer met Malysa. Then eight years later, Jennifer felt her son’s heart beating in Malysa’s chest. Now, having learned of her need for another heart, since transplants usually only last for three to 10 years, the Fullers have launched an effort to help raise the $100,000 needed to cover Malysa’s medical care.

Now, having learned of her need for another heart, since transplants usually only last for three to 10 years, the Fullers have launched an effort to help raise the $100,000 needed to cover Malysa’s medical care.

In order to be listed for a second transplant, her family must raise the required funds needed to pay all expenses not covered by insurance. The largest expense being the requirement to relocate Malysa Logan and a full-time caregiver to the Stanford area for an unknown period of time following the transplant.

“I gave life to my Sweet Boy Deon 26 years ago today and I would be amiss if I did not share that we have been working on giving life once again,” Jennifer posted on Rick’s Facebook on April 24. “Through Malysa, Deon’s heart has beat these last 21 years and now she is in need of another heart transplant.”

Rick and Jennifer Fuller in a photo from Facebook posted earlier this month.

“Over $53,000 has come in, in less than two months,” Rick shared. “She told us in February that the heart she received from Deon was failing. When she was a child there were several grants that covered the costs. But now that she’s an adult there are no funds for her. That’s when we stepped up and launched our effort in March.”

A donation website has been set up at www.malysasheart.com.

In addition, a fundraiser, hosted by the Rotary of the Delta-Antioch, will be held this Saturday, April 27 at Afrique Restaurant in Antioch. The “Have a Heart” event will run from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and the restaurant is located in the Orchard Square at 2370 Buchanan Road. (See flyer above) Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite.

“We’re real appreciative about people in our community, coming along side and helping. So, we’re super excited to be a part of that,” Jennifer said.

To learn more about Malysa, her first transplant, her current donor and her need for a new transplant by visiting: https://www.facebook.com/malysasheart/. You may also contact Rick Fuller at info@rickfuller.com.

To see more, watch the NBC Bay Area TV news report about the Fuller’s efforts to help Malysa and the video the couple posted on Jennifer’s Facebook page, on Tuesday night.

Plus, Splash & Spray Saturday

Zumba, Dancing, Kayaking….Skateboarding, Swimming, and Art…all activities that promote healthy, active living. And with a 15% discount on class and program fees, the Annual Get Active Antioch! Recreation and Health Expo Event is a great way to start your summer! The City of Antioch Recreation Department is hosting this free event at the Antioch Community Center and Antioch Water Park, Saturday, May 11 from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. This community event will be a full day, jam packed with fun for all ages! There will be program demonstrations from Antioch’s highly trained specialized instrcutors including MAX Martial Arts, and Zumba Fitness with Karina Dugand. Kathy Bunton from Delta Kayaking Adventures will demo at the Water Park and Rob’s Skate Academy will be boarding and coaching at the Skatepark.

The Expo includes a Health Fair Vendor Hall from 10:00am – 12:30pm as well as a Preschool Open House and Mother’s Day Celebration. Visitors can enjoy preformances from the Antioch High School Black, Powerful & Educated African Dance Team, guided facility tours, Senior Hula Dancers and more!

Bring your entire family to the free Music Festival in our Grand Plaza all day. Headliners are Blue Mountain Quartet, Ben Benkert and PTK The Band! Music is good for mental health, and while adults enjoy the free concert children can color on the giant Monster Mural, munch on free popcorn, and get their face painted. The Foodie Crew will participate and provide excellent food truck services. The Antioch Community Foundation provided funding to support the Expo and Antioch Unified School District is a partner in the Health Fair.

Families can end the day with Splash and Spray Saturday at the Antioch Water Park from 12:30 – 4:00 pm! Free swimming and Water Park seasonal information will be available. All in one day, Antioch residents can enjoy everything the Recreation Department has to offer and more. Remember, the 15% discount is on May 11, 2019 only. Let Antioch Recreation Staff help you plan your best summer ever! For general information call 925-776-3050.

We’re serious about addressing illegal dumping in our City. In response to this ongoing problem, our Code Enforcement Manager Curt Michael is working with our garbage provider Republic Services to organize Antioch’s first Clean-Up Day on Saturday, April 27th. Specific neighborhoods in downtown will be invited to participate in this no-cost event where just about everything except engines, car parts, tires, appliances, dirt, concrete, paint, oil, and other hazardous materials will be accepted. We plan on continuing this event throughout the rest of the City over the next year allowing all parts of Antioch to participate.

Saturday, April 27th Cleanup Event

NO COST

Who: Downtown area between M Street and G Street and W. 2nd Street & W. 6th Street

When: Saturday April 27th 8AM – 12PM or until dumpsters are full

Where: Marina overflow parking lot

What: Residential Trash and Junk

NOTE: Must bring the flyer below – Download Flyer

*Furniture and large items must be broken up. It is recommended that you recycle all items that have potential for future use and help preserve the environment.

Commercial dumping is not allowed. Republic Services will not allow hazardous materials:

• no paint
• no oil
• no tires
• no appliances
• no engines
• no other car parts
• no dirt
• no concrete

Please drop off these types of items at Delta Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility located at 2550 Pittsburg-Antioch Highway, Antioch.

In the upcoming days, Republic Services will be mailing out flyers to those residents that are eligible to participate in this cleanup event. The City anticipates holding more cleanup events like this in other locations.