A few months ago, Jeff started to not feel well.  He looked extremely pale, felt dizzy, became weak and grew tired very easily.  In November of 2015, Jeff was unexpectedly and suddenly hospitalized for several days with anemia.  His hemoglobin was below a 5, while the normal range is 13.5-17.5.  Jeff is one tough guy and eventually his numbers rose through blood and iron transfusions.  He left the hospital a few days later, but unfortunately, his health did not improve and his hemoglobin was not stable.

Doctors were struggling to figure out how Jeff got anemia and determined it was from his Crohn's Disease.  Jeff receives strong iron treatments, but his hemoglobin and iron levels haven’t responded like they should.  His Hematologist recently remarked that Jeff was the only patient of the hundreds he has treated who is not responding to the best and highest doses of IV iron that is available.  Jeff's iron levels have been in single digits while they should be in triple digits.

His Crohn's has become so painful that the only thing Jeff can do is work, and he is even struggling to do that.

Despite all these difficulties, Jeff has diligently been trying to stay afloat.  Besides counseling at Santa Monica College,  he has taken a second job as a driver when he is feeling up to it, to make extra money to cover his medical expenses.  However, since his Crohn’s has become more severe, he hasn’t been able to do enough of this.

After many months of unpleasant tests, the doctors have finally figured out the main culprit.  He has a stricture and heavy inflammation in his ileum (small intestine).  Because of this, he will need major surgery, which will require about a week in the hospital and several weeks of recovery.  

The surgeon, who is considered the best in this field, unfortunately does not take Jeff’s insurance.  This will require Jeff to pay an out of network cost.  With the work he will miss, his current medical treatments, postoperative care and his living expenses, Jeff will not be able to resolve this situation without help.

Providing the surgery is successful, the doctors feel this will resolve the anemia and iron deficiencies   and hopefully will also ease his Crohn's problems for a long time.

You all know that Jeff is one of the most caring and supportive individuals out there.  He would easily give you the shirt off his back if he knew it would help you.  He is always willing to help everyone and anyone, regardless of the request.

Please send your thoughts, prayers and wishes to Jeff via Facebook.   If you would also like to contribute to Jeff’s medical and recovery fund, this is the best way to do so.

Jeff’s surgery is scheduled for Tuesday, May 17, 2016.

We will continue to post updates on Jeff's health and progress as it comes.   We will also provide information regarding location and visiting hours if you would like to visit him.  He would love to see each and every one of you!

Thanks for following along and being a part of Jeff’s amazing and supportive network in this time of need.  He truly loves you all.

Please help spread the word by using the link www.gofundme.com/helpJeffgordon