A new lion heart for a Chubbuck Lion

The Chubbuck Lions came together Saturday for to hold a community fundraiser for a local family in need of some help after a medical diagnosis.

Travis Jones has cardiomyopathy. He takes water pills every day to stop fluid from gathering around his heart, but he needs a new heart.

“The whole left side of my heart is gone,” he said.

Travis Jones said he and his family have had to make some hard decisions recently, the most recent being to sell their house and move to Utah.

“All of our family is here, but we do have an uncle and some family down there,” said Amy Jones, Travis Jones’ wife. “It’s a mini-vacation. There’s a lot to do there and we’re just trying to put a positive spin on it.”

The Jones are members of the Chubbuck Lions Club. When they fell on hard times the other lions jumped in to help out however they could.

The Chubbuck Lions held a fundraiser included dinner, a silent auction and 15-minute massages. There were also raffle prizes.

“We’re just hoping for as many donations for Travis as we can get,” said Wilson Parrish, president of the Chubbuck Lions Club. “We’d like to help alleviate that expense. Any donations we receive will be turned around, and donated to him and his family.”

Travis Jones said he is very grateful for the help everyone has offered and is going to continue getting the medical help he needs in Utah while waiting for a donor.

“Thanks to the everybody.,” he said. “Thanks to the Chubbuck Lions Club. Thanks to everyone who’s helped out.”

An account has been set up under Denny Jones, Travis Jones’ father. Donations to the account can be made at Idaho Central Credit Union.