Just a couple weeks before Christmas 2023, Jack Hartman started getting ill. After a few days he ended up in the E.R. and was transported by ambulance to St. Luke’s Magic Valley where he stayed for 4 days. Believing they had found the problem, the doctors released him to go home.

After a few weeks at home recovering, Jack became very ill again with similar symptoms. He was immediately admitted again to St. Luke’s and was subjected to many tests including x-rays, CT scans, MRI’s GI scopes, bloodwork, labs etc. His team of 6 doctors finally located the problem, a large tumor growth wrapped around the outside of his Sigmoid Colon. He was immediately rushed into surgery, a normally a 2-hour procedure lasted for over 6-hours! The tumor was removed successfully and was later found to not be cancer. However, in the process the surgeons nicked Jack’s bladder causing more painful issues and a longer recovery.

Jack was released with home health care after 11 days in hospital. He currently has visiting nurses and physical therapists several times a week at home, along with numerous follow-up doctor visits. Jack will have to have another surgery in 2 to 6 months to repair and reattach the colon.

Because his first stay was in December and his second was in January, he will have 2 large medical insurance deductibles to pay for. He also has many more months of doctor’s appointments, home health, tests, and another surgery all with additional costs.

Financially, this will take a toll that nobody can prepare for. Daily expenses have included: hospital stays, surgeries, medical treatments, lab work, medications, transportation, home healthcare, which have had a significant impact.

Jack has somehow has remained so positive through all of this. He has tried to focus on the positive aspects and is taking things day to day.

We humbly ask that you find it in your hearts to donate. Any amount is appreciated. Please keep Jack and our family in your prayers as we embark on this difficult journey. Please also share this with your networks. It is going to take a huge village to help him out. Thank you.