Bexar County Firefighters Rally Behind Colleague's Baby Awaiting Heart Transplant

Lainey, the 7-month-old daughter of firefighter Tyler Jessamine, faces ongoing medical complications and is currently on the transplant list.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 1:03am

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An ethereal, ghostly X-ray image of a small, fragile human heart, its intricate structure revealed in glowing lines against a dark background, conveying the delicate medical situation of a baby in need of a transplant.A firefighter's family faces an uncertain future as their infant daughter awaits a life-saving heart transplant, with the support of their tight-knit department.San Antonio Today

A Bexar County firefighter is receiving overwhelming support from his department as his 7-month-old daughter, Lainey, fights for her life while awaiting a heart transplant. Lainey was born prematurely and has undergone two open-heart surgeries, currently being treated at Dell Children's Medical Center in Austin. Her mother has remained by her side in the hospital since November, while her father commutes between San Antonio and Austin to balance family time and his firefighting duties. The Bexar County ESD 11 department is now raising money to help with Lainey's medical expenses, hosting a barbecue plate sale to support the family.

Why it matters

The story highlights the tight-knit community of first responders and how they rally behind one of their own in a time of crisis. It also sheds light on the challenges families face when a child requires a life-saving organ transplant, especially the financial burden and emotional toll. The community's support for the Jessamine family underscores the importance of compassion and solidarity during difficult times.

The details

Lainey Jessamine was born six weeks premature and later developed heart failure and dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition where the heart's left ventricle becomes enlarged and struggles to pump blood effectively. She has undergone two open-heart surgeries and is currently connected to a device that helps her heart pump blood. In January, Lainey was officially placed on the pediatric heart transplant list at Dell Children's Medical Center in Austin, where she remains hospitalized. Her mother, Alyssa, has been by her side in the hospital since November, while her father, Tyler, commutes between San Antonio and Austin on his two days-on, four days-off shift.

  • Lainey Jessamine was born about seven months ago.
  • Lainey has undergone two open-heart surgeries since her birth.
  • In January 2026, Lainey was officially placed on the pediatric heart transplant list.

The players

Tyler Jessamine

A Bexar County ESD 11 firefighter and the father of Lainey Jessamine, who is awaiting a heart transplant.

Alyssa Jessamine

The mother of Lainey Jessamine, who has remained by her daughter's side in the hospital since November.

Lainey Jessamine

The 7-month-old daughter of Tyler and Alyssa Jessamine, who is currently awaiting a heart transplant at Dell Children's Medical Center in Austin.

Bexar County ESD 11

The fire department where Tyler Jessamine works, which is supporting the Jessamine family during this difficult time.

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What they’re saying

“There's nothing really I can do, but I try to put that into helping other people in hopes we get some of that karma back one day.”

— Tyler Jessamine, Firefighter

“Her age group is very rare to come by a heart quickly compared to a teenager or an adult. We just go day by day.”

— Tyler Jessamine, Firefighter

“My wife has been in the hospital every single day for her. She's my hero, along with my daughter.”

— Tyler Jessamine, Firefighter

“He's one of ours. She's all of our niece.”

— Bexar County ESD 11 Firefighter

What’s next

The Bexar County ESD 11 department is hosting a barbecue plate sale on Saturday, April 12, 2026, with proceeds going to support the Jessamine family and Lainey's medical expenses.

The takeaway

This story highlights the power of community support and the sacrifices families make when a child requires a life-saving organ transplant. The Bexar County firefighters' rallying behind their colleague and his daughter's fight for survival is a testament to the compassion and solidarity that can emerge in times of crisis.