CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Christmas is only days away, and a Charlotte man’s side job is paying off for him and for children counting down Santa’s arrival.
What You Need To Know
J.J. Routh was diagnosed with IgA nephropathy, a kidney disease, and hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, a blood vessel disorder
Routh needs a new kidney and with mounting medical expenses, has taken on a side job playing “Santa’s elf” during the holidays
Routh is offering to assemble people’s gifts for a fee, and will also show up to someone’s house dressed as the Elf on the Shelf for an additional charge
J.J. Routh was diagnosed with IgA nephropathy, a kidney disease, and hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, a blood vessel disorder.
Routh has been a handyman for more than 20 years, but said following his diagnosis, work became a challenge.
“[I would work] minimally 45 to 50 hours a week, and then I just had to stop completely because all my time was consumed with going to treatment every day,” he said.
The IgA nephropathy and HHT have caused his kidney to fail.
“HHT can create bleeding from the nose, which I happen to have, severe bleeding, and when you’re constantly bleeding you’re anemic,” Routh said. “Poor kidney function also causes anemia, so I’m usually chronically anemic.”
To pay the mounting medical bills, Routh has jumped back into the handyman business as Santa’s helper putting together Christmas gifts for a fee.
“I just remember people talking about the dreaded last minute, putting together gifts, and some people are just not handy and don’t want to do it,” he said.
Routh said the work helps take his minds off his health battles.
“Anything that I can do to be normal and still stay productive I’m trying to do,” he said.
He said the treatment and diseases are draining, but his Christmas spirit is merry and bright.
“Sometimes you get a little bit down because of certain things, but this kind of stuff can kind of brighten things up a little bit,” Routh said.
Routh is taking last minute requests to help with toy assembly. From Dec. 21-23 and Dec. 26-31 Routh will perform toy assembly for $65 per hour. On Dec. 24, toy assembly is $125 per hour. Routh says he does not offer pickup or delivery services.
If you would like Routh to show up dressed as the Elf on the Shelf, it will run $125 per hour throughout the month of December. A 24 hours notice is required.
To book or get more iformation, you can call him at 704-999-9365 or email routh1204@gmail.com.