Help Matt pay Jenn's Medical Expenses

Hello, my name is Kelley Varner and I am an anesthesiologist at the University of Missouri's Veterinary Health Center (VHC). Our friends and colleagues, Matt Haight and Jenn Polkow-Haight, need our help. On Thursday, November 18th, 2021, we learned of the passing of our treasured ‘Mama Jenn’, beloved veterinary educator, anesthesia technician, stay, and friend. Jenn was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer in 2018 and has fought a harrowing battle with cancer ever since. Throughout this time Jenn remained positive and upbeat, even coming to work through chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Jenn never complained and always maintained her focus on her staff, her students, and her patients.

 

Over an impressive 31-year career at the VHC, we estimate that Jenn contributed to the education of ~3,000 veterinarians, hundreds of residents and interns, and faculty such as me. We called her Mama Jenn because she was the mother hen that kept our anesthesia service in line and moving forward. She cared deeply about her job and her colleagues, and she had a knack for leadership. Even in her last days, she arranged for additional equipment to be purchased to help us care for our patients. Being an anesthesia technician wasn’t just a job to Jenn, it was her chosen profession. She worked hard and demanded the best from herself and her colleagues. She cared about us, and she took care of us.

 

Not only was Jenn an incredible technician and leader, but she was also wife to Matt Haight and mother to their two boys Parker (21) and Spencer (17). At the time of her diagnosis, Jenn was told she wouldn't live to see her sons graduate from high school. But the doctors were wrong and Jenn fought to see Parker graduate and to see Spencer most of the way through his senior year. Her dedication and love for her family were undeniable; even managing to attend her son’s football games in the freezing cold up until a week before her passing. Jenn was also an active member of her church and community, always willing to answer the call of those in need.

 

All those familiar with the veterinary community know the current mental health and staffing struggles our profession faces today. Despite both Matt and Jenn having impactful and successful careers at the VHC, Matt faces a significant financial burden with the loss of Mama Jenn. These funds will be used to cover hospital bills, funeral expenses, and most importantly to help Matt keep their family home. Please help us support these wonderful colleagues and their family during this dark and challenging time. Mama Jenn would have helped in a heartbeat, so let’s make sure we don't leave her family in the cold.