If you don’t know my brother, Jeff, then you probably know someone like him. He is that man who has worked tirelessly as a football coach for your son or your brother. He is that man who has served those he has mentored through countless hours of sacrifice behind the scenes when no one is paying attention. He is that man who treats those who he is so blessed to work with like members of his own family. He always has a great attitude and even now as he faces one of the toughest battles in his life, he has remained quiet in order not to burden the individuals who are dear to his heart.


Hello, my name is Kathy Smith. On February 3rd, 2016, my brother, Jeff Smith, was diagnosed with Stage 5 Kidney Disease. His 17.7 mg/dl creatinine level exceeded normal levels of creatinine in the blood which is approximately 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dl in adult males.


The disease has caused both kidneys to function at less than 5% requiring him to receive three hemodialysis treatments a week in order to sustain life. Our family has witnessed Jeff struggle handling the side effects of both treatment and the disease itself. He has suffered through a blood infection driving his body temperature to a life threatening 105.6 degrees requiring two different hospital stays. Furthermore, I have personally watched him suffer through bouts of nausea, vomiting, and extreme fatigue making it very difficult for him to handle normal everyday activities. Additionally, he has had to endure an emotional toll after being forced to leave the workforce along with the usual emotional stressors brought on by this disease. Considering, Jeff is only 45 years old; it was made apparent through all my research that if he remained on his current hemodialysis schedule his life expectancy would be significantly decreased.




I could not  imagine the burden our family would feel if our funny, outgoing, lovable son, brother, and uncle was no longer with us. Jeff inspires us all to be the best they can be regardless of their circumstances. A creed he undoubtedly lived as he, despite his circumstances, spent the fall coaching and mentoring the young men of the Springfield High School Football Team which just
enjoyed their most successful season since 2010. He has come a long way, but must maintain successful kidney transplantation if he is to continue his life’s work as a coach, mentor, and educator. 


Many of Jeff’s family members including myself did not qualify as a kidney donor. Fortunately, we were blessed with the great news of my sister, Amanda Dressel, becoming match to become Jeff’s living donor. Amanda is a loving mother of four willing to give her brother the gift of life with the hope of a successful recovery into the New Year as they are scheduled for surgery this December.
Jeff’s insurance will cover most of the costs associated with the actual transplant procedure. However, there are many expenses related to aggressive post operation checkups and treatments, expensive anti-rejection medications, and months of lost family wages which will not be fully covered. Transplantliving.org estimates the average total costs associated with a kidney transplant can add up to $262,900 per individual.


Our hope is to raise enough money to offset our family’s financial concerns. Whether you have referred to my brother as Coach Smith, Smitty, Smidrow, or Big Jeff, no contribution is too small. If you are unable to contribute financially, please share Jeff’s story through social media. We are eternally grateful for any support you can provide in helping our family reach this goal. Thank you for your time and consideration.

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