Jeff’s Lung Transplant and Cancer Fund

10-17-2022 Update

Just shy of four years ago, we started this journey. While Jeff remained stable for the first 2.5 almost three years (other than a few minor set backs-his lung collapsing, Covid etc) 2022 has come with nothing but decline. His current treatment plan is no longer working. We are in talks with Seattle to see if Jeff is a candidate for a double lung transplant. In the meantime, Jeff will later this week start IV therapy with the hopes that shutting down his immune system will stop it from attacking his lungs. He will do two rounds- one this week and one next week and again in 6 months if all goes well. We don’t know what the future holds for Jeff at this point but he could use all the prayers and good thoughts as we take on this next step.

A week and a half ago we celebrated Jeff’s 37th birthday, a few days later we were learning the harsh realities of him having scleroderma.

Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthly tissue and organs. For Jeff, it is his lungs that are paying the price. Jeff’s lungs are functioning at less than 50%. We were told he is not a candidate for a lung transplant since it would be more than likely that his body would fight off and reject a new set of lungs. There are a few medical options to help prolong Jeff’s life but at this time, there is no cure. 5 years is what his team of doctors are giving him.

We are looking into stem cell transplant that will run us roughly $200,000 out of pocket since insurance considers stem cell treatment as investigational. This would not include the cost of Jeff being in the hospital for 3-4 months post stem cell transplant, the lost of income from his job and the travel back and forth out of state.

We need a miracle and all your prayers. There is nothing I won’t do to keep my husband and the father of my girls around as long as possible.

Please hug your loved ones. God bless you all.