As many of you know, in February, Jeff was unexpectedly diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Before this, he had no idea that the dreaded cancer word was even a concern. It all happened very quickly, within a matter of weeks, and he is now on hospice with Patty as his primary caretaker.
In 2011, Jeff and Patty relocated to California to be near their son Eric (and Stephanie) and their two grandchildren, Andrew and Owen. They have enjoyed many years there, golfing, traveling, and making dear friends in their Highland Palms neighborhood. However, a year ago, in April 2019, Eric and his family were forced to relocate to North Carolina in order for Eric to stay with his company of 19 years. Jeff and Pat had decided they would wait a year or so and then make decisions on whether to stay or relocate. Unfortunately, just nine months later came Jeff's diagnosis. Simultaneously, the world now faces the challenge of coronavirus, putting both Jeff and Pat at high risk without any family there to support them during this time of uncertainty and mandated quarantine.
Ideally, family and friends would be able to come and stay with them in California while Jeff is on hospice. However, with the Coronavirus putting everyone at high risk, there are very few options available at this time to help them not face both terminal cancer and isolation at the same time.
What Jeff wants, at this time, is to return home to Illinois. This would allow him to spend his remaining time with family and friends (at a safe distance if need be), including his son Jon, daughter in law Angie and granddaughter Alina. And it also allows him to get his wife of 50+ years back to Moline where she will have the support of family. He wants to see his children, grandchildren, brother, nieces & nephews, brother & sister in law, and additional family & friends.
Many of you have reached out, asking how you can help. We think we have found the safest solution possible to get Jeff and Pat home but to do so, it will have to happen quickly, yet safely. By God's grace, there is an apartment waiting for them at Paulsen Manor in Moline – the same complex where Jeff's mom, Thelma, lived after his dad Norris passed away. Additionally, thanks to some amazing friends (Gary & Kathy and Mike & Cathy), they have a transportation option in an RV that will take them directly from CA to Moline, eliminating the exposure of flying or hotels along the way. However, because time and safety are essential, they will not be able to have someone pack their belongings in California and move them into the apartment in Illinois. Thus, there are unforeseen expenses that will arise.
With your help, they hope to have the ability to not only rent the new apartment and pay for the transportation but also to cover the expenses of the belongings they will have to leave behind. Those needs include the following expenses:
- Gasoline for RV trip (roundtrip as it has to be returned to Calif), plus cost of hitch to pull car (approx. $2500)
- Portable oxygen compressor (approx $1000 so Jeff can more easily visit with guests outside on the patio)
- Stackable washer and dryer (approx $1200)
- Adjustable powered queen bed/mattress and base (approx $1300)
- Power recliner for living room so Jeff can be comfortable (approx $400)
- Other furniture: (approx $1000) sofa, kitchen table/chairs, dresser, tv, grill, basic living items, etc
Jeff and Pat, as well as their sons Jon and Eric, want to send their love and gratitude for the support you all have shown during this time. It is never a good time to be diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, and it is never a good time to be losing a parent. But having all of this happen during a pandemic, has made things much more challenging. Still, one thing that is evident through it all is God's love and the support of family and friends. We love you All!
P.S. Just to show you how quickly this all has progressed. All the photos below were taken at Christmas/New Years time frame. Just weeks before the diagnosis and Jeff was in such good spirits and seemed physically well. The quick progression is sad, but we are also so thankful for the time together a few months ago and the memories and laughs.
In 2011, Jeff and Patty relocated to California to be near their son Eric (and Stephanie) and their two grandchildren, Andrew and Owen. They have enjoyed many years there, golfing, traveling, and making dear friends in their Highland Palms neighborhood. However, a year ago, in April 2019, Eric and his family were forced to relocate to North Carolina in order for Eric to stay with his company of 19 years. Jeff and Pat had decided they would wait a year or so and then make decisions on whether to stay or relocate. Unfortunately, just nine months later came Jeff's diagnosis. Simultaneously, the world now faces the challenge of coronavirus, putting both Jeff and Pat at high risk without any family there to support them during this time of uncertainty and mandated quarantine.
Ideally, family and friends would be able to come and stay with them in California while Jeff is on hospice. However, with the Coronavirus putting everyone at high risk, there are very few options available at this time to help them not face both terminal cancer and isolation at the same time.
What Jeff wants, at this time, is to return home to Illinois. This would allow him to spend his remaining time with family and friends (at a safe distance if need be), including his son Jon, daughter in law Angie and granddaughter Alina. And it also allows him to get his wife of 50+ years back to Moline where she will have the support of family. He wants to see his children, grandchildren, brother, nieces & nephews, brother & sister in law, and additional family & friends.
Many of you have reached out, asking how you can help. We think we have found the safest solution possible to get Jeff and Pat home but to do so, it will have to happen quickly, yet safely. By God's grace, there is an apartment waiting for them at Paulsen Manor in Moline – the same complex where Jeff's mom, Thelma, lived after his dad Norris passed away. Additionally, thanks to some amazing friends (Gary & Kathy and Mike & Cathy), they have a transportation option in an RV that will take them directly from CA to Moline, eliminating the exposure of flying or hotels along the way. However, because time and safety are essential, they will not be able to have someone pack their belongings in California and move them into the apartment in Illinois. Thus, there are unforeseen expenses that will arise.
With your help, they hope to have the ability to not only rent the new apartment and pay for the transportation but also to cover the expenses of the belongings they will have to leave behind. Those needs include the following expenses:
- Gasoline for RV trip (roundtrip as it has to be returned to Calif), plus cost of hitch to pull car (approx. $2500)
- Portable oxygen compressor (approx $1000 so Jeff can more easily visit with guests outside on the patio)
- Stackable washer and dryer (approx $1200)
- Adjustable powered queen bed/mattress and base (approx $1300)
- Power recliner for living room so Jeff can be comfortable (approx $400)
- Other furniture: (approx $1000) sofa, kitchen table/chairs, dresser, tv, grill, basic living items, etc
Jeff and Pat, as well as their sons Jon and Eric, want to send their love and gratitude for the support you all have shown during this time. It is never a good time to be diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, and it is never a good time to be losing a parent. But having all of this happen during a pandemic, has made things much more challenging. Still, one thing that is evident through it all is God's love and the support of family and friends. We love you All!
P.S. Just to show you how quickly this all has progressed. All the photos below were taken at Christmas/New Years time frame. Just weeks before the diagnosis and Jeff was in such good spirits and seemed physically well. The quick progression is sad, but we are also so thankful for the time together a few months ago and the memories and laughs.
Fundraising team: Jon Hall and Eric Hall3
Patty Hall
Beneficiary
Angie Thompson Hall
Team member
Eric and Stephanie Hall
Team member