From heart failure to fatherhood: Advanced procedure at Dignity Health St. Joseph's saves dad-to-be’s life

Specialized heart pump gives young Valley man a second chance

(PHOENIX – Feb. 17, 2026) – When Jarrell James  watched his baby’s heartbeat flicker on the ultrasound screen, it stopped him in his tracks. This time last year, the 26-year-old was fighting to keep his own heart beating after arriving at Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center battling end stage heart failure. Now, thanks to a lifesaving left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implant, Jarrell is  preparing for parenthood. He and his fiancee, Yasmine, are expecting a baby in September. 

“Seeing that little flicker, that strong beat, just flooded me with so much emotion,” said Jarrell. “Now, knowing I'll be here to raise my child, it's truly overwhelming.”

For most of his life, Jarrell lived with a weakened heart. He was born prematurely and spent his first three months of life in the nursery ICU as his heart continued to develop outside the womb. In high school, a routine sports physical revealed the football player’s heart was only functioning at 25 percent capacity, initiating a struggle of various medications throughout his teens.

The gravity of the situation escalated in his early twenties. Jarrell frequently felt weak, everyday activities became exhausting and he wound up in the hospital on several occasions. It was during a follow up appointment that  he received a dire diagnosis. His heart was failing and he needed advanced intervention.

“My doctor at the time told me I only had six months to live if I didn’t undergo emergency surgery,” said Jarrell. “I am so glad he referred me to the cardiovascular team at St. Joseph’s. They walked me through what was to come and really helped put my fears at ease during such a difficult time.”

The expert cardiovascular team at St. Joseph’s determined Jarrell would be a candidate for an LVAD which is essentially an implanted mechanical heart pump that helps a weakened heart circulate blood throughout the body. This advanced procedure is often used as a bridge to transplant or in Jarrell’s case,  a long-term therapy for patients with severe heart failure.  

“My doctor at the time told me I only had six months to live if I didn’t undergo emergency surgery,” said Jarrell. “I am so glad he referred me to the cardiovascular team at St. Joseph’s. They walked me through what was to come and really helped put my fears at ease during such a difficult time.”

The expert cardiovascular team at St. Joseph’s determined Jarrell would be a candidate for an LVAD which is essentially an implanted mechanical heart pump that helps a weakened heart circulate blood throughout the body. This advanced procedure is often used as a bridge to transplant or in Jarrell’s case,  a long-term therapy for patients with severe heart failure.

“LVAD can be truly life changing for patients with advanced heart failure,” said Linda Staley, NP, LVAD coordinator at St. Joseph’s. “For someone as young as Jarrell, this technology provides him with a better quality of life and the opportunity to build a family with his high school sweetheart. We are so proud to offer this treatment option and empower our patients to embrace their futures."

With the support of Yasmine Jarrell underwent the LVAD procedure last January. One year later, he reports significant improvement in  his overall symptoms and energy levels as he adapts to life managing the device. While a heart transplant may still be a possibility in his future, during American Heart Month, he is reflecting on his remarkable journey and the blessings that it has brought. 

“This procedure gave me a second chance at life,” said Jarrell. “I am so excited to be here to welcome a baby into this world with my precious fiancee. We’ve been through everything together, and I truly believe the best is yet to come for our family.”