Jeff Duke
Donation protected
In June of this year Jeff was diagnosed with Small Cell Lymphocytic Lymphoma Leukemia and COPD w/Restrictive Lung Disease. He and his wife Diane retired in 2017. This picture is from 2011 and our family has grown a lot since then. Jeff and Diane very proudly have a mixed family of 5 sons and 2 daughters whom are all married. They also currently have 18 grandchildren w/1 one on the way and 8 great-grandchildren. I am Carrie Duke and Jeff is my super Loved Father-In-Law. Jeff was diagnosed w/Small Cell Lymphocytic Lymphoma Leukemia, which is a cancer that affects a your white blood cells, which help your body fight infections and the Leukemia is currently being tested but could cause bone cancer. This type of Cancer is currently incurable, however with the proper treatment this Cancer can be managed to allow Jeff to live a long life. He was also diagnosed w/COPD w/Restrictive Lung Disease, which is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease that makes it extremely difficult for him to breath w/out the help of oxygen. This disease also has a Restrictive Lung, which means that his lungs cannot expand fully.
Jeff and Diane retired in 2017. Jeff from BNSF Railway after 39 years he ended his career as a Yardmaster. Diane from Rice Memorial Hospital after 12 years. After their retirement they have had to change health insurances. Their new insurances do not have the coverage that Jeff had been able to provide thru the Railroad for many years. Their deductibles are quite high and they do not cover preventive actions. Currently Jeff's immune system is at a zero. He needs to have a lot of preventive medications, such as antibiotics, the flu shot and pneumonia shot, which are very expensive.
Jeff and Diane need to travel to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN almost every other month to meet with his Pulmonologist and Oncologist. These appointments usually take 2-3 days of hotel stay w/the expense of meals and gas. They also have to travel to St. Cloud for testing when needed.
In 2017 Diane was diagnosed w/a mass (which was non cancerous) on her ovaries (both had to be removed). Shortly after they retired. This surgery took a large hit on their savings. In May of this year Jeff had to have surgery in Willmar to have his lymphnodes removed and tested for cancer. Prior to having this surgery he had to make numerous trips to St. Cloud to have tests run to make sure he was able to survive this surgery due to his heart and lungs.
So we are asking for those who are able to help to please make a monetary donation and to those who can't to pray for Jeff and Diane and this family to help fight these diseases.
We as a whole family would like to thank you in advance for taking the time to read about Jeff and his family.
Thank you with all of our hearts.
Fundraising team: THE BOYS (6)
Carrie Boggs Duke
Organizer
Spicer, MN
Diane Duke
Team member
Jesse Petersen
Team member
Michael Duke
Team member
Mitchel Duke
Team member
