STORY

For those who know Geoff, you know he's the kind of friend who shows up — every time, without hesitation. Over the past 15 years, we've shared so many of life’s milestones together: the birth of a child, home projects, birthdays, vacations, new jobs, and the heartbreak of losing beloved pets. Through every high and low, Geoff and Nadine have been our “ride or die” people — the friends you can always count on for help, humor, and an open heart.

Which is why learning about Geoff’s recent diagnosis has shaken all of us so deeply. Quite simply, our world cannot afford to lose a person like Geoff Downey. They just don’t make them like him anymore — loyal, compassionate, and utterly without judgment.

A Difficult Diagnosis

A few months ago, Geoff was rushed to the ER after a massive seizure. Scans revealed an advanced malignant brain tumor on his frontal lobe — technically called a WHO Grade 2 Diffuse Astrocytoma, IDH Mutant. The tumor has been growing slowly and has now crossed the midline of his brain, making it inoperable at this time.

Doctors were able to biopsy and remove a small section, but since surgery is not an option at this time, Geoff is now undergoing radiation and chemotherapy in hopes of shrinking the tumor enough to buy time and relief.

Looking Back

Looking back, the signs were there — we just didn’t know what we were seeing. About two years ago, Geoff began struggling with motivation, focus, and emotional regulation. A man who’d spent nearly three decades in physically demanding work — facilities management, landscaping, and construction — suddenly seemed different. What many of us thought might be a midlife slump was, in fact, a tumor quietly affecting the part of his brain responsible for decision-making and emotional balance. He also began feeling physically weaker and experiencing unusual sensations on his left side — symptoms we now know were early warning signs of what was to come.

The Road Ahead

As devastating as the diagnosis is, Geoff has found some relief in finally having an explanation for the changes he's experienced over the past two years. Geoff describes it as “bittersweet” — terrifying, yes, but freeing to understand why his “head and heart were no longer aligned.”

Unfortunately, the challenges don’t stop there. Geoff has been out of work for nearly two years and is currently uninsured. He has received temporary charity care through Erlanger Hospital, but that assistance is about to expire. Disability applications are in process but slow-moving, and with his physical limitations (he can no longer lift more than 15 pounds), returning to work in his old field is impossible.

Even if Geoff is able to secure insurance through the marketplace, the premiums for a plan that would cover his ongoing chemo, radiation, and MRIs (which cost around $20,000 each) are estimated between $400–$600 per month. That’s nearly $7,200 a year — not including uncovered medical costs, co-pays, ambulance rides, lab work, or medication.

How You Can Help

Geoff has spent his life quietly showing up for others. Now it’s our turn to show up for him.

Our goal is to raise $12,000 to help Geoff cover medical costs, insurance premiums, and related living expenses so he can focus on what truly matters — healing and time with those he loves — both the two-legged and four-legged variety.

We can’t remove the tumor — that’s God’s work — but we can ease the financial burden and remind Geoff that he is not alone.

Every donation, every message of encouragement, every prayer counts.

Help us remind Geoff that the same love, compassion, and loyalty he’s shown to others all these years now surround him.

Please join me in being Geoff’s “ride or die” right now.

❤️