Help Jake Fether as he faces another Mayo surgery
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I am Jake's mother-in-law Christine Ault and Betsy Vanderveen Rutz is one of Kate and Jake's closest friends here in Marquette. We are setting up a go fund me page because the Fether family has been through a very difficult time this past year with Jake's ulcerative colitis and the outcome is serious and ongoing.
Three years ago, Jake was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. In the beginning, his symptoms were mild and he even had periods of remission. But in March of 2020, right when covid shut down the world, his symptoms became so severe he had to look at alternative options. He exhausted the route of steroids and biologics and had to consider surgery to regain his health and stamina.
In October of 2020, he had his large intestine removed and that surgery was successful enough for him to resume teaching in January of 2021. The second surgery to shape his intestines so that he can be fitted with a j pouch was this past April of 2021. The surgery was five hours long and he was sent home six days later. Complications arose which included a low grade fever so he went to the Emergency Room in Marquette and was flown back to Mayo Clinic. He was then diagnosed with an abdominal abscess which they treated with antibiotics and a drain. After some imaging tests, they discovered this was due to a hole in his bowel which they will be able to repair with his third surgery in mid-August. As you can see, this is an epic journey that has ongoing adjustments to their family and lifestyle. As a family, they operate as a cohesive unit so it has impacted Kate, Liam and Cora on a daily basis. Jake has always been incredibly involved as a dad and a husband and they have had huge adjustments to make.
Even though they have excellent insurance with MESSA, there are ongoing costs with trips to Mayo, hotel accommodations, flights, etc. The biggest concern will be whether Jake can return to full time employment in September. His colleagues have donated sick days so he can finish the rest of this school year with pay which has been a blessing. His third surgery is scheduled for mid-August and the donations that are given now can help ease their anxiety if his healing process takes six months or longer. Please consider helping this family in any way you can. Thank you! We will update you along on this journey back to health and vitality!
Three years ago, Jake was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. In the beginning, his symptoms were mild and he even had periods of remission. But in March of 2020, right when covid shut down the world, his symptoms became so severe he had to look at alternative options. He exhausted the route of steroids and biologics and had to consider surgery to regain his health and stamina.
In October of 2020, he had his large intestine removed and that surgery was successful enough for him to resume teaching in January of 2021. The second surgery to shape his intestines so that he can be fitted with a j pouch was this past April of 2021. The surgery was five hours long and he was sent home six days later. Complications arose which included a low grade fever so he went to the Emergency Room in Marquette and was flown back to Mayo Clinic. He was then diagnosed with an abdominal abscess which they treated with antibiotics and a drain. After some imaging tests, they discovered this was due to a hole in his bowel which they will be able to repair with his third surgery in mid-August. As you can see, this is an epic journey that has ongoing adjustments to their family and lifestyle. As a family, they operate as a cohesive unit so it has impacted Kate, Liam and Cora on a daily basis. Jake has always been incredibly involved as a dad and a husband and they have had huge adjustments to make.
Even though they have excellent insurance with MESSA, there are ongoing costs with trips to Mayo, hotel accommodations, flights, etc. The biggest concern will be whether Jake can return to full time employment in September. His colleagues have donated sick days so he can finish the rest of this school year with pay which has been a blessing. His third surgery is scheduled for mid-August and the donations that are given now can help ease their anxiety if his healing process takes six months or longer. Please consider helping this family in any way you can. Thank you! We will update you along on this journey back to health and vitality!
Organizer and beneficiary
Christine Nancy Ault
Organizer
Marquette, MI
Kate Deneau Fether
Beneficiary