Help support Jeff in his fight against Grade IV Brain Tumor

There's been an update! Please see the story posted on July 2, 2025.

Dear Friends and Family -

We are reaching out with heavy hearts to share the news of our brother and friend, Jeff Ruggles—a devoted husband and a loving father of four. Jeff was recently diagnosed with glioblastoma (GBM), a grade IV brain tumor. Being the most aggressive type of brain cancer, it has a very poor prognosis for survival, with no cure currently available.

In Canada, where Jeff and his family live, he recently underwent a brain resection and is now receiving radiation and chemotherapy to extend and improve his quality of life. Unfortunately, treatment options for this type of cancer are limited due to its fast-growing nature making 100% removal impossible and the blood-brain barrier preventing certain treatments from being effective.

After extensive research, prayers, and consultations, we were grateful to learn that Jeff has been accepted into a clinical research trial in California [UCI Article discussing the Study]. This will likely include a second resection surgery, as the tumor is expected to return, followed by personalized immunotherapy treatment designed to help Jeff’s body to fight the cancer directly. This trial focuses on improving both quality and length of life, offering Jeff the chance to create more precious memories with his family and friends.

This opportunity, however, comes with significant medical expenses that are not included in standard US or Canadian healthcare, making coverage rather costly. We are reaching out to you—our community—for help in raising the funds necessary to ensure Jeff receives the best care possible.

The funds raised will go towards a stay in California, travel, the cost of U.S. health care, and any additional expenses directly related to his treatment during the trial. Any remaining funds will be used to help cover other treatment-related costs, and to support Jeff and his family.

We believe that this clinical trial could give Jeff extended time with his family, and we’re asking for your help to make this possible.

Here’s how you can help:

1. Donate: Any amount helps and we are grateful for your support during this incredibly challenging time. Your contributions will directly impact Jeff’s ability to access quality treatment and provide support for his family.

2. Share: If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this on social media or with your friends and family. Spreading the word can help us reach others who may be able to help.

Thank you for being there for Jeff. Your kindness and generosity are beacons of hope for our family as we navigate this difficult journey. Together we can help create more cherished moments for him and his loved ones.

With heartfelt gratitude,

His Brothers, Sister, Rachel, and Family

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Update - 1/5/2025

As of December 30th, Jeff has completed his initial round of chemotherapy and radiation to keep the brain tumour at bay. He’s been quite the trooper managing symptoms and continually showing up and giving 100%.

In the new year, Jeff will be continuing periodic chemotherapy and monitoring of his brain for signs of recurrence. Ultimately, when the tumor returns, we’ll have the chance to participate in the immunotherapy clinical trial as Jeff’s health allows. For more information on this study, please click here!

We’re incredibly grateful for all the support we’ve received so far. Through your generous donations of funds, your time and efforts in preparing meals for Jeff and his family, and your help getting Jeff to all his appointments, you’ve all helped our family through a difficult period during one of the busiest times of the year!

Thank you everyone!

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Update - July 2, 2025

It's go time! Jeff is now set for his second Craniotomy in just a few days (July 8th) at the UC Irvine Medical Center in Orange, California. AND, he will be participating in the immunotherapy clinical trial, which is such great news!

Jeff and his wife, Rachel, have been in California for a week now handling consultations, then appointments for blood work, an EKG, and an MRI in preparation for surgery. They left the kids to manage the household, their work schedules, the dog, and day-to-day living in Calgary, Canada. They plan to fly them down to spend some time together post-surgery.

Over the past several months, Jeff has generally felt okay. He's lived with constant headaches, fatigue and dizziness, and cognitive changes, but has managed to keep working through it all. This last month though, he has felt the effects of the tumor increase and can tell it's time to take action again. He is excited about the technology that will be used to guide the surgeon's hand. He may even get to have a special drink that literally lights up the brain cells during surgery to differentiate the good cells from the tumor. His family is very grateful for this opportunity and the hope that it provides.

This surgery and trial, however, come at a cost and are not free to the patient. Any financial support would be greatly appreciated. The donations would help pay for the surgery co-payment, the creation of the immunotherapy vaccine, and the ongoing doses that are administered over time, requiring travel back and forth between Canada and California.

Here’s how you can help:

1. Donate: Any amount helps and we are grateful for your support during this challenging time. Your contributions will help ease the financial burden for the family.

2. Share: If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this on social media or with your friends and family. Spreading the word can help us reach others who may be able to help.

Thank you for your support and continuous prayers.

Please note, for our Canadian friends, this campaign is in USD. There should not be any currency conversion fees by GoFundMe, just the conversion rate per your bank. [Support Link]