Help Jeff and Elaine with mobility and expenses

Hello, my name is Angie Casey. My husband, Mark Hoadley and I have been friends with Jeff and Elaine Booker for more than 20 years. Jeff was diagnosed with this dreaded disease more than a decade ago and has kept it at bay with his positive attitude. Recently, he lost his ability to drive and will now be dependent on Elaine to get him around. With the staggering medical bills they have and will continue to incur, I am asking you to donate what you can to help with medical bills and secure a wheelchair accessible van with hydraulic lifts.

 

Please see Elaine’s explanation of Jeff’s story and of the diagnosis MSA-P:

In 2008 the only problem Jeff had was acid reflux. He had surgery to help correct it. The surgery failed in less than a year when the wrap came undone. The surgery had to be redone. This time it was open as opposed to laparoscopic. At a routine follow up to surgery, a spot was found on his lung. A few months later a spot had grown into a mass. A scan lit up like a Christmas tree and was thought to be cancer. A biopsy was performed and followed by a lobectomy. Good news, it was not cancer. Test after test was ordered until Jeff was diagnosed with Mycobacterium Avium Complex. MAC - for short. He started treatment with a pulmonologist right away.

After working since he was 12 years old, he was advised by the doctors to apply for disability. He was not going to be able to return to work. What do you do now? You are 54 years old, without a lazy bone in your body. Too early for retirement, he had much more to do...

Jeff was denied disability... They agreed he was sick, but not sick enough. He lost his job, along with his income and insurance. I was fortunate enough to add him to my insurance, but his income far outweighed mine. He was the "breadwinner" as cliche' as that sounds. We had no choice at this point but to sell as much as we could do without. We filed bankruptcy, foreclosed on our home and surrendered our car. We moved into a small apartment and learned very quickly the difference between needs and wants. Without the help of our family and friends. We would have never been able to make it.

Jeff was eventually awarded disability and our financial burdens seemed to subside. We were able to purchase our current  townhome three years after to bankruptcy,,,

He was hit again and again with medical issues. Next it was Mast Cell disease. He was able to manage all of these illnesses and live a semi-normal life. (If that's what you call it). He was able to do simple things he enjoyed. He loved his yard, doing for others and riding his Harley.

Fast forward to 2020 - Jeff was having unexplained, and uncontrollable blood pressure issues for some time now. When he started to pass out, his internist said it was time to see a Neurologist...

The neurologist's diagnosis is why we are asking for help. He was diagnosed with MSA-P. Multiple System Atrophy. This is a terminal illness that comes with harsh side effects. He can no longer drive a car or ride his Harley. This disease causes atomic failure. The brain is shutting down and will stop sending signals to the organs. A simple breath, can be shut down at any time. We are in a support group, but the horrible things that people are dealing with breaks my heart. We are also saddened by what is to come.

Jeff has helped others all his life. He is the most selfless person I have ever met. When we got married, I came as a package deal with my mom. Jeff took care of her too. When his parents needed help, they came to live with us as well. He has always done for others in any way he could. Even in his death, he will continue  to help others by donating his body to MUSC science and his brain to MSA. His doctors call him a  medical mystery with a drive for life like they have never seen.

We are raising money to help purchase a van equipped for Jeff to ride in. He will eventually be wheelchair dependent. Unfortunately, the next step he will be bedridden. We will have medical expenses that are far beyond comprehension.

Thank you for letting us share our story. Please keep Jeff and our family in your thoughts and prayers. No amunt is too small to help, just as one person is never alone as long as faith, family and friends are around.