Help Jeff Heal After Emergency Surgery and a Long Road Ahead

On October 18th, my fiancé Jeff was rushed to the hospital after suffering from unbearable stomach pain that had been getting worse for two weeks. After several tests, doctors gave us the horrible news — Jeff had a tear in his colon and needed emergency surgery right away.

At Lehigh Valley Hospital, surgeons discovered that his colon had multiple perforations, and they had to remove a foot of it to save his life. They also had to give him a colostomy bag, something we never imagined we’d be facing.

Just as we started to take a breath, we were hit with more heartbreaking news — Jeff was bleeding internally. He needed two blood transfusions and another CT scan to find the source of the bleeding. We are still waiting on results, praying the worst is behind us.

Jeff has a long road to recovery ahead. In about three months, he will have to undergo another major surgery to reverse the colostomy bag and reconnect his colon. Until then, he will also need wound vac care three to four times a week for six to eight weeks — all while trying to heal both physically and emotionally.

Unfortunately, Jeff does not have health insurance, which means every hospital bill, test, surgery, and home care costs must be paid out of pocket. He will also be out of work for quite some time, without any income to help support our family or pay for medical expenses.

We have a 7-year-old child, and it’s been so hard explaining why Daddy can’t come home yet or why Mommy seems so worried, tired, anxious. We’re trying to stay strong for Jeff and for our daughter, but we truly need help.

If you’re able to donate — even a small amount — it would mean the world to us. Your kindness will help cover medical bills, supplies, wound care, and living expenses while Jeff recovers and prepares for his next surgery.

Please keep Jeff in your prayers as he continues to fight his way back to health. From the bottom of our hearts — thank you for your love, generosity, and support during this incredibly difficult time.

— Lauren, Jeff, and our family