Jay's Story

Jay Bon Salle was born in Chicago on March 10, 1964 with a congenital heart defect known as the transposition of the greater vessels. In other words, the transposition is when oxygenated blood from the lung flows in the wrong direction. This causes poor oxygenation to the body resulting in a bluish-purple coloration of the skin and shortness of breath. You do not have to be a medical student to understand that proper oxygenation is vital to sustain life. During the era in which Jay was born, this condition almost always meant a life of severely restricted activity and an early death.

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Jay (left) at age 9 and younger brother Andrew with
Larry Csonka and Bob Griese of the Miami Dolphins in 1973.

 

Jay’s strong thirst for life saw him through several operations over his lifetime. He underwent his first remedial open heart surgery at the tender age of two. His next major surgery was a brain operation when he was nine to remove a cerebral aneurysm, a result of his heart condition. At the age of fourteen, he endured another open-heart operation to allow for more mixing of oxygenated blood. When Jay was twenty-one, he survived another life saving operation to combat respiratory failure.

The Bon Salle family moved to the warm climate of Key Biscayne when Jay was five to give him a better quality of life. Jay immediately took up the sport of fishing with great interest. He won several fishing competitions including the Bimini Native Fishing Tournament. When fishing became tough for Jay he turned to designing saltwater aquariums. He later took up billiards and captained his team to a regional qualifying tournament in Las Vegas. Through his love of sports, Jay became the commissioner of several fantasy sports leagues.

Jay had a great joy for life and shared it with those around him. People who came in contact with Jay were immediately drawn in by his infectious smile and warm personality. Jay was admired for his love of family, loyalty to friends and positive attitude.

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Jay at age 13 with fishing tournament trophies.

 

Because of progress made in the research of cardiovascular disease, which has led to significant advances in the surgical treatment of this disorder, Jay was able to live to the age of 37. He is the longest known survivor of this type of heart defect. His ability to maintain a positive outlook, no matter the circumstances, serves as a true testament to his individual character and to the strength of the human spirit.

 

Remembering Jay

To honor the memory of Jay and help fund research on heart disease, the Jay Bon Salle Foundation was formed. An annual event is held each year to raise funds.