Jeff Weatherbee’s Transplant Fund

We want to tell you about our friend, Jeff Wetherbee.

Jeff is a man’s man. He is adventurous and vibrant. He’s a loving husband, father and grandfather.

He is a member of the Moose Lodge, a Motorcycle enthusiast, pilot and entrepreneur. Sorry to say, he’s also a Packer fan…..

Jeff started to experience health issues a few years ago. He suffered a major heart attack while on a cross country motorcycle trip with his son. That was a tremendous scare to say the least. But Jeff, powered on! He regained what he could of his health and was able to continue working and supporting his family with his wife Jeanne by his side. Their combined family is the most important thing to both Jeff and Jeanne. Watching their grandkids grow gives them joy beyond measure.

Over the last few years, however, Jeff’s health had deteriorated. He was diagnosed with both heart and kidney failure. Time was not on his side. Worrying about how and where to be treated that would be acceptable by insurance and wondering what the correct course of treatment should be, the Wetherbees finally found the right place in Milwaukee where Jeff could get his care and treatments.

Wouldn’t you know it… Jeff was laid off! The burden of supporting their family and maintain health insurance fell to Jeanne. She kept it together both financially and enthusiastically! They are a great team.

Jeff was put on the waiting list for transplant for BOTH organs!

As you know, the wait is awful. And for Jeff and Jeanne, it was even worse. Both the heart and the kidney needed to be from the same donor.

While waiting, Jeff had to be admitted to the ICU and have a pump installed that would keep his failing heart beating. Weeks past, but Jeff and Jeanne stayed strong.

The blow to come to them was with Jeanne’s employer. The economy wasn’t strong enough to keep the customers coming where Jeanne was working and eventually, they had to eliminate her position as well.

Both Jeff and Jeanne are currently unemployed. Jeff is still in the hospital and waiting for the life saving transplants!

The call came – there was a donor.

Jeff underwent the heart transplant on September 25th. That procedure went well, and the heart was beating. Once he was stable, the kidney surgery was scheduled. Later the same day – that procedure took place. Kidneys are funny… you can’t zap them into starting to function – you just have to wait.

Right now, Jeff is still in the hospital. He has a LONG road ahead – He’s on dialysis until the kidney decides to start filtering his bodily fluids. This puts a strain on the new heart because his blood pressure is not where it should be. But Jeff is tough with Jeanne is by his side.

Jeff faces many more weeks in the ICU. If all goes well, he will be moved to a rehab facility where he can gain his strength.

As you can imagine, the costs are astronomical. There are limited resources with both Jeff and Jeanne unemployed. This is only adding to the stress which can greatly impeded the healing process.

At this time, we are reaching out to you for HELP. Any amount is appreciated. Jeff and Jeanne really need you. Please imagine your family being struck by this type of crisis and you don’t know where to turn. This is your chance to help this vibrant man become vibrant again.

Please consider helping Jeff and Jeanne with a donation that will go directly to his care and recovery.

Thank you from the loving friends of this wonderful couple

Debbie, Julie, Cindy, Shelly, Claudia, Candy, Sharon, Geri,, and Cathy