I just got word this morning that my 18 year old cousin, Jordan, died at the UCLA medical center from complications arising from his heart condition and surgery to removed a fibrous growth which were growing in his chest.

He was born with a birth defect in his heart, which required replacement valves, and also resulted one of the arteries was strangling one of his lungs. He also had a developmental disorder, and the emotional and intellectual state of a 7 year old.

A few months ago, he was found to have a fibrous growth the size of a watermelon in his chest, as well as germ cell cancer. He underwent chemo, which got rid of the cancer, but the growth was unaffected. He was flown in to UCLA, where he underwent surgery.

Afterwards, he developed a clot, and his remaining good lung was damaged beyond repair by the growth and the chemo. He lost very large amounts of blood, due to the blood thinner to get rid of the clot, which caused him to bleed into his stomach, where a feeding tube had been inserted.

His heart failed yesterday, caused by another clot which developed in his leg.

Despite the valiant effort of his doctors, he passed away in peace early this morning, with his parents by his bed.

May his memory be eternal.