Help Jeff Heal: Rebuilding After Spinal Surgery and a Life-Altering Crisis

A Lifelong Worker, Polka Music Lover, and Father Who Needs Our Help

Hi friends,

I’m reaching out about someone very close to my heart—my uncle and lifelong friend, Jeff. He’s the kind of person who greets life with a laugh, a fishing rod, or a Polka tune on full blast. But recently, Jeff’s world was turned upside down.

Earlier this year, Jeff was diagnosed with osteomyelitis, a devastating bone infection that collapsed two of his spinal vertebrae (T12 and L1). The result was a painful spinal deformity, major loss of mobility, and a life thrown into crisis.

⚠️ His Health Declined—And So Did Everything Else

Jeff worked hard his whole life as a Construction Project Manager—physical, hands-on work that wore down his body over time. When his spine collapsed, he lost his job, his income, and his independence. As the pain and isolation grew unbearable, Jeff reached a breaking point.

But our family refused to let him go. His brother Carl drove across the country to bring him back to Kansas City, where Jeff was rushed to AdventHealth Shawnee Mission. There, he underwent a 9-hour emergency spinal reconstruction surgery—a procedure that quite literally saved his life.

A Dangerous Infection Complicates Recovery

While the surgery was successful, Jeff is now battling Pseudomonas—a highly resistant bacterial infection. This type of infection is extremely difficult to treat, especially after spinal surgery. It demands long-term IV antibiotics, careful monitoring, and follow-up hospital visits.

Jeff currently has COBRA insurance, which has been a lifeline in his care—but the monthly premiums are extremely high. He needs help maintaining this coverage while also managing the significant and ongoing medical expenses tied to his recovery.

Why Jeff Needs Our Help

Jeff is facing:

• Major hospital and surgical bills

• Ongoing treatment for the Pseudomonas infection

• Physical therapy and rehabilitation

• Medications, wound care, and lab testing

• High COBRA insurance premiums

• Continuing medical costs with no income

• Essential living expenses during recovery

We’re asking for $20,000 to help Jeff rebuild—physically, financially, and emotionally. Every dollar brings him closer to stability and healing.

The Man Who Bleeds Polka

Let me tell you who Jeff really is.

Jeff is my younger uncle—by only three years—but that never stopped him from making it known. In fourth grade, as our class lines passed, he loudly declared, “It’s Uncle Jeff to you!” for everyone at Montclair Elementary to hear. I was in seventh grade. My whole class heard it. Mortifying then. Hilarious now.

He’s a champion fisherman. But above all, he lives and breathes Polka music. Whether it’s Lenny Gomulka and the Chicago Push or Dynabrass, the Polka Jammer Network is always on when Jeff’s around. He doesn’t just listen to Polka—he feels it in his soul.

How You Can Help

Please consider donating to help Jeff heal—any amount truly helps. Your gift will go directly toward maintaining his COBRA insurance and covering the high costs of his ongoing medical care and recovery.

If you can’t give right now, sharing Jeff’s story with others makes a real difference.

And most of all—please keep Jeff in your thoughts and prayers. Your support, faith, and encouragement mean more than words can express. Many blessings and many thanks.

Thank you for standing with us. Let’s help Jeff get back on his feet—and back to the music he loves.

Glen