
Chute Strong!
Donation protected



Jeanne and her husband, Joe Chute, have experienced one of the most life altering changes a family could endure. En route from a trip from Atlanta, Joe was rear ended by another driver. Due to the construction on the highway, drivers were slowing down to merge into a single lane; however, a distracted driver (suspected of texting behind the wheel) collided into Joe at 75 mph. After using the “jaws of life” to remove him from the vehicle, Joe was rushed to the hospital where he endured 11 hours of surgery. Although we are thankful he is alive, doctors have confirmed that Joe will be paralyzed from the chest down.
Joe served his country with honor and dedication. He proudly held several positions in security/law enforcement in the USAFfor 24 years in addition to committing to five tours overseas. He is a very special person to his friends, family, and former military comrades; someone for whom has the most kind and gentle spirit. The love and appreciation we have for him goes beyond words.
Jeanne and Joe just celebrated their 38th wedding anniversary. Their devotion to their family and each other is evident as they have experienced and overcame great hardships along the way. Shortly after marriage, Jeanne prematurely gave birth to twins; a boy and a girl. Due to the baby boy’s weak state and overwhelming medical problems, he sadly passed away shortly after birth. Doctors expressed concern that their remaining child was only 1.5 lbs coupled with a host of potential problems, but the little girl survived; however, she had been diagnosed with cerebral palsy which consists of lifelong disabilities and continued care. A few years later Jeanne gave birth to their youngest child. He was diagnosed with leukemia at age two; as a result of extensive rounds of chemo and radiation, he has remained in remission and is enjoying a healthy adult life.Although their children are grown, Jeanne and Joe have been raising their 11 year old granddaughter since she was nine months of age. She is the absolute light of their life!
Joe was the sole provider for his family and Jeanne was in charge of rearing the children and holding down the fort. However, this unimaginable tragedy has left them with greatfinancial obligations in terms of Joe’s immediate and long term care. The shock his body went through lead to pneumonia, which forced him to being put on a lung bypass machine. He has experienced six cardiac arrests and is now on kidney dialysis.The daily challenges have been heartbreaking, but they are “Chute strong” and have every intention of overcoming each obstacle with the intensity of a true fighter. He is currently dealing with this painful scenario, but after his situation stabilizes, he will be moved to a long term facility for an undetermined amount of time with the expectation that this facility will better prepare him for rehabilitation.
Throughout this trying ordeal, Jeanne has remained incredibly optimistic and undeniably strong. She has a deep appreciation for the compassionate and talented nurses and doctors who have taken such excellent care of Joe. One nurse spoiled him with the taste of root beer on a sponge; this small gesture really lifted his mood. Jeanne is convinced that within the realm of this logic, rubbing his top lip with a Recess peanut butter cup might actually inspire him to get up and walk. Overall, the care has been top notch and Jeanne couldn’t be more pleased with the talent and skills of the dedicated staff; of course we must give due credit to the power of the Recess peanut butter cup.
When Joe is well enough for rehab, he will spend approximately two months there. His release from rehab presents itself with a variety of stressors. The need for handicap accessible transportation is apparent as is a fully functional handicap accessible home. They currently reside in a rental home so Jeanne will have to relocate the family.
We are sharing this personal ordeal with the hope of gaining your support for Jeanne and Joe Chute. Please consider a donation of any amount you can spare; it would be greatly appreciated! I feel the pain of their lifelong struggles and their impending burdens and am asking for your help. PLEASE SHARE.
Thank you kindly for taking the time to read their story.
Organizer and beneficiary
Jessic Touhey
Organizer
Holbrook, NY
Jarred Chute
Beneficiary