On March 30th, I started running a high fever. For four straight days, it stayed dangerously high—103° and above—and I couldn’t eat a single bite of food.

When it comes to our animals, we act immediately at the first sign of something wrong. But when it comes to myself, I’ve always been the type to push through and “tough it out.”

This time… I couldn’t.

Thankfully, I listened to my wife Katelyn and my mom, and I went to the emergency room.

When I arrived, my fever was still at 103°, and they immediately began bloodwork, scans, and testing. Within hours, I was rushed into emergency surgery. I had a large kidney stone blocking my urine, which had caused a severe infection.

Since then, things have been incredibly difficult.

I’ve now been in the hospital for days on constant IV fluids and antibiotics.

My fever continues to spike, causing intense shaking and drenching sweats, with very little relief. The doctors are still trying to get it under control and are continuing tests, including additional CT scans, to find answers.

While I’m fighting this, another overwhelming reality has hit us…

They came in while I’m laying in bed just trying to hold on to tell me the medical bills have already exceeded $80,000, and they are expected to climb much higher.

It’s hard to even process something like that while lying in a hospital bed, just trying to get through each moment.

My wife Katelyn—who is a third-grade teacher—has had to take time off work to stay home and care for all of our animals while I’m here.

Together, we run Clear Creek Adventure Ranch: Rescue & Education, a nonprofit animal sanctuary. We care for dozens of animals—many of them rescues, special needs, blind, or even in wheelchairs. From kangaroos to dogs, sheep, emus, and more—these animals are our life, our passion, and our family.

Every dollar we make goes directly into caring for them. And I wouldn’t have it any other way—because helping these animals is what truly makes me happy.

But right now, our family needs help.

I will be looking into programs to try and reduce some of these medical bills, but the financial strain, combined with lost income and the responsibility of caring for all of our animals, is overwhelming.

If you feel led to support us in any way—whether through a donation, a share, or a prayer—it would mean more than I could ever express.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for standing with us during this incredibly difficult time.

—Jeremy & Katelyn ❤️