Support Jeffrey Gates and His Family Through a Sudden Medical Crisis

Jeffrey Gates is a devoted husband, loving father, son, brother, veteran, and friend — and right now, he and his family are facing a life-altering medical emergency no one could have imagined.

What Happened

Jeffrey’s medical crisis began suddenly. One morning, he woke up with severe neck pain. Soon after, he noticed numbness on one side of his body, weakness on the other, and a strange burning sensation on the top of his head.

Within two days, Jeffrey was hospitalized in Colorado Springs, where his condition rapidly worsened. He became essentially paralyzed from the neck down and was transported by ambulance to a hospital in Denver, where he spent 11 days in the ICU.

Doctors diagnosed him with a spinal canal cavernous malformation — a rare cluster of abnormal blood vessels in the spinal cord that began bleeding and caused severe spinal cord injury and paralysis.

His medical team determined that the only hospital equipped to treat his condition was IU Methodist Neurological Hospital in Indianapolis. He requires specialized surgery to prevent further damage, followed by a long and intensive period of rehabilitation.

Jeffrey had to endure an AirMed flight from Denver to Indianapolis — a medically necessary transport that may not be covered by insurance. IU Methodist is also considered out-of-network under his current health plan, meaning many major expenses may not be covered.

The Financial Impact

The financial burden on Jeffrey and his family is already overwhelming and will continue for months — likely years — as he fights to regain as much function and independence as possible.

Major anticipated expenses include:

• Air ambulance transport — $42,000

• Extended lodging near the hospital

• Flights between Colorado Springs, Denver, and Indianapolis for family

• Out-of-network medical costs, co-pays, and deductibles

• Rehabilitation and long-term therapy

• Medications and medical equipment

• Food and car rental during extended stays

• Shipping the family car from Colorado to Indianapolis

• Lost income during this time

Because Jeffrey’s recovery timeline and rehabilitation needs are still unknown, it’s difficult to estimate the full cost.

Who is Jeffrey

Jeffrey married his wife, Chieko, in 2023 in a beautiful traditional ceremony at a Japanese shrine. In 2024, they welcomed their son, Kaison, who quickly became the center of Jeffrey’s world. Jeffrey is the kind of dad who is fully present — patient, gentle, and always the first to sit down and read books with his son. Chieko says Jeffrey has always put his family first and himself second, and that hasn’t changed even in the hardest moments.

He is the beloved son of Jeff and Debbie Achilles and Dennis and Shelley Gates, and a caring brother to Garrett Achilles and Ryan and Jayden Gates.

Jeffrey is also a proud veteran, having served in the U.S. military from 2005–2018, with five deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait. His commitment to service didn’t stop there — he continues to serve his country today as a civil servant for the Federal Government.

Those who know Jeffrey describe him as endlessly curious and compassionate. He loves travel, snowboarding, learning new things, trying foods from around the world, sports, nature, gaming, and cheering on his favorite team — the St. Louis Cardinals. He’s the person who loves a challenge and shows up when others are in need.

How You Can Help

Jeffrey has spent his life serving his country, loving his family deeply, and showing up for others without hesitation. Now, he needs us.

Any donation — no matter the size — will help relieve the crushing financial stress on Chieko and their young son so they can focus on what matters most: Jeffrey’s surgery, recovery, and long road ahead.

If you are unable to give financially, please consider sharing this page and keeping Jeffrey and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Thank you for supporting this incredible husband, father, son, veteran, and friend during the fight of his life.

If you would like to donate through Venmo, please send donation to @dachilles with number 4244 if requested