Jeff's Journey with Brain Cancer

On June 21, 2022, our dear friend and travel buddy Jeff arrived home from work on his bike one minute and, moments later, suffered a seizure that ultimately resulted in a diagnosis of Stage 4 glioblastoma. His life and that of his wife Kelly and their children Sean and Lauren were inextricably altered in a matter of hours. He went from being a fearless and stellar athlete to barely having the energy to take a walk. It would be impossible to convey in the space given, the numerous ways everything about their existance has changed. Daily hikes with their dog Maya and bike rides have been replaced by seizures, fatigue, countless medical appointments, three hospitalizations and two surgeries. However, his hopeful outlook, sense of humor, enjoyment of family/friends, and gentle spirit have not been diminished. Amidst all this, Jeff retains the ability to touch soul-wrenching grief and flow back into the present moment, with a remarkable capacity to love and adjust to the unimaginable.

Jeff's journey with radiation and chemotherapy has not yet begun. He and Kelly will need to travel out of town and secure lodging for the days he receives treatment or needs to recover from it. A couple who has planned wisely and responsibly for their future is now faced with major medical expenses and the logistics associated with obtaining the care he needs going forward. These are the sort of circumstances that require the attention and assistance of a village. Adversities and hardships such as this cannot be navigated alone, and perhaps the only advantage to be found in them is the opportunity it provides all of us who love Jeff, Kelly, Sean, and Lauren to show up in their time of need.

"We're all just walking each other home." ~Ram Dass