Author with Rare Condition Raises Over $500K for Children's Charities, Prioritizes Faith

JT Mestdagh, an author born with the rare and life-threatening condition VATER syndrome (VACTERL association), has turned personal struggle into a mission of hope and generosity. After undergoing 16 surgeries by age 16 and battling severe dyslexia, Mestdagh has raised over $500,000 for children's charities through his foundation, all while maintaining a glass-half-full attitude in life.

Mestdagh, a Michigan native, recently authored "No Bad Days," a book aimed at inspiring teenagers aged 13 to 19 to confront and overcome life's adversities. The book weaves in stories shared with him by others, showcasing the power of storytelling as a coping mechanism. "Through storytelling, I’ve been able to cope with my challenges," he said. "It allows people to open up and express what’s going on in their lives."

His challenges began at birth and continued throughout his youth. In middle school, Mestdagh underwent spinal cord surgery, which led to significant discomfort, limping, and loss of bladder control. His parents were relentless in seeking the best care for him, taking the family from Detroit to Cincinnati and Denver for various treatments. "It’s been a little bit of a project in my life," Mestdagh reflected, "but it’s been an amazing journey that I’ve learned so much from."

Despite these hurdles, Mestdagh founded the JT Mestdagh Foundation during his senior year of college. The organization supports children with colorectal issues and disabilities by providing essential medical supplies like drip bags and syringes. Insurance companies often don't cover these items, leaving families in need. Mestdagh also partners with doctors to identify patients requiring financial aid for hospital stays, offering a much-needed lifeline for struggling families.

Through his foundation, Mestdagh collaborates with the Ronald McDonald House to provide the Tattum Reading Program for children with learning disabilities. He credits this program with helping him tackle his own dyslexia, recalling challenges as basic as reading the word "men’s" on a restroom sign. "For someone with colorectal issues, that’s a real problem," he joked.

Faith plays a central role in Mestdagh’s life. He describes his family as one of "great faith in the Lord," which has been a guiding force through his journey. "First and foremost comes my relationship with the Lord," he said. "He allows me to see that when one door closes, another opens." Mestdagh refers to his support system, or "wolf pack," as another crucial element in his resilience and success.

With "No Bad Days" set for release on April 1, 2025, Mestdagh hopes to inspire others with his story and the stories of those who’ve shared their journeys with him. He concludes, "The foundation—we look at it with two main pillars, but with faith in all."