Jeff's AVM Surgery

Intro:

Hello, this is Jeff's wife and daughters and we're trying to raise funds for Jeff's next big surgery.  We have to travel a great distance (Minneapolis to Little Rock) and stay for a couple weeks. 

We're raising money to help with the costs of the trip and stay in Little Rock. With all of the previous surgery costs still being paid, the family has a big challenge to pay for this trip. Any donation amount makes a difference and we're very grateful for the help!

Background:

Four years ago Jeff was diagnosed with Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) in the face. Since September 2012, Jeff's had 8 procedures to treat it. 

There are very few doctors who can treat facial AVM. It's so rare. He had some treatment at the Mayo Clinic but it just wasn't something they could treat. We finally found one that specializes in it but he's in Arkansas.

Recently the AVM is growing very fast. It's spread to his jaw, ear, temple and near the skull base. 

He needs to have major surgery on October 5 to remove as much as they can get. The surgery will be similar to his first one that lasted 20 hours. He will need a free flap skin graft and it will take 2 surgeons. The doctor said it's a high risk surgery.

The doctor has expressed that the surgery will be a big benefit to Jeff's health. It should remove a lot of disease and slow down the progression of it. Surgery will not cure it but it will buy him more time with his family.

We need to meet our goal by mid September to start making arrangements. 

Thank you all for reading this and for any help you give. We are so grateful for everyone!

More Info about AVM:

AVM is the abnormal connection of arteries and veins. It is a very rare condition and treatment options are super limited.  AVM's grow massive tumor-like tangles of blood vessels. This growth can spread very rapidly in the body. 

The AVM can destroy tissue and bone in its path. Causing a lot of pain and dangerous bleeding. It also has a high risk for cardiac arrest and stroke.