VALDOSTA — Pneumatic fever damaged J.T. Wright’s heart muscles before he was out of high school in the 1960s. More than 40 years later, this damage has progressed to where Wright needs a heart transplant.

Through the decades, his heart muscles became progressively weaker. His heart became enlarged. He once worked a lawn-care business, but it is now dangerous for him to even work on a riding mower. He must walk slowly, but his doctor insists that Wright walk for exercise. He has a pace maker, a defibrillator, and carries a bag that is connected by tubes to his arm.

In 2000, Wright suffered a heart attack. This past February, his heart rate increased to a potentially deadly 199 beats per minute. He was sent from Valdosta to Emory in Atlanta. He spent two weeks there. This is when he received the pace maker and defibrillator. There, the 60-year-old J.T. Wright learned he would need a heart transplant.

Since learning that news, J.T. Wright and his wife, Virginia Wright, have been on alert. He must maintain a certain diet and undergo checks. He learned that even an occasional beer could risk his placement on the transplant list. He must maintain a weight of no more than 152 pounds, and he’s holding steady at that weight.

If the call comes that a heart is available for him, the Wrights must be ready and at Emory within five hours of the call. Such a call could come at 3 in the afternoon, or 3 in the morning, or any time in between, any day, today, tomorrow, or weeks from now. Virginia Wright has a suitcase already packed, for it is she who will need clean clothes and other items while he spends days and weeks recuperating.

Transplants are expensive. Wright has Medicaid and Medicare. He is registered with the Georgia Transplant Foundation, which will match money he raises up to $10,000. Family and friends, such as long-time family friend Mable Fugghett, help raise money and awareness of J.T. Wright’s cause.

Every other weekend, family and friends hold a fish fry to raise money for the transplant’s expenses. The next fish fry is scheduled for June 7. A bank account has been opened for him.

HEART TRANSPLANT

Family and friends are raising money for J.T. Wright’s heart transplant.

• Fish fry: Every other weekend, family and friends hold a fish fry to raise money for the transplant. The next one is scheduled for 10 a.m.- until, June 7, corner of Blitch and River streets. Plates are $5-$6. Additional donations accepted.

• Donations: Contributions can be made for the procedure through the J.T. Wright Medical Fund, c/o Bank of America, 106 S. Patterson St., Valdosta, Ga. 31601.

• More information: Call 293-7861.