Jefre Outlaw - Family & Medical Fund

To all of Jefre's friends, colleagues, and members of the community—

Thank you so much for your concern for Jefre and for coming to this page to learn more about the situation he and his family now face. Jefre was admitted to the hospital on May 7th. We are so grateful that he was, otherwise he might not have survived the night. His condition was so serious that doctors immediately started him on blood transfusions. After all the tests were completed, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

Fifteen years ago, he struggled through the same cancer two different times and beat it. After a successful stem cell transplant, no one expected it to come back as it now has. Jefre has already started his first chemo cycle to last for 21 days. Right now, he is on a floor where he can't even see his children and needs to remain there at least until the end of this cycle. His doctor said he needs to continue with chemo until his cancer stops growing. He will then have to undergo something similar to a stem cell transplant to avoid it coming back.

The good news is that there is a lot more that is available today medically than there was 15 years ago. All of this could take up to a year and presents a serious emotional and financial challenge for Jefre and his wife, Astrid, who have a two-year-old son and a five-year-old daughter. Right now, Jefre is too weak to even stand and is having difficulty with his speech as his chemo continues. The added weight of the medical bills and his concern over his family's financial needs is adding to the strain.

With God's help, we are all confident that Jefre will make a full recovery, but it is going to be a long road. It would be such a blessing for Jefre and his family if we could all help to support them during his recovery. Your gift will make it easier for Jefre's wife, Astrid, to focus on him and be at his bedside while he fights this battle, instead of having to figure out how she will be able to pay the medical bills and family expenses to support their two small children.

On behalf of Jefre and Astrid, thank you so much for your support, your prayers, and your love. We are grateful that in times like these, our community comes together to circle the wagons and help each other find a way through. This account has been set up by Jefre's friends who are in regular contact with Jefre and Astrid. Updates on Jefre's progress will be posted here and on CaringBridge which was set up to provide other ways to be of service.

CaringBridge: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jefreoutlaw

UPDATE 6/5/2023: Jefre started a new 21-day cycle of chemo today. This seemed to be the safer route, rather than letting him go home to wait for his stem cell therapy to begin in 6 weeks. Doctors didn't want the cancer to start growing again at home which would put him back in the hospital and prolong his entire healing journey. And with 2 kids at home, his immune system needs to be strong and his white blood count as normal as possible before he attempts that adjustment.

UPDATE 6/23/2023 - A MESSAGE FROM ASTRID: Jefre was discharged from the hospital yesterday - yay!!! He immediately took a heavenly nap on the couch and had a great night, enjoying 10 hours of sleep. He said he hadn't slept that well in a really long time. Coming home was very emotional for all of us. Jefre is tired but very happy to be here. He's had a few small portions of homemade food which he loved and is looking forward to all the visits from our care team at home. We'll be having a nurse and a physical therapist come by on a weekly basis. And our chiropractor and our naturopath will come by as well. The kids are very happy to have him back. If you would like to visit Jefre at home, please let us know!

Jefre will be having check-ups with his oncologist twice a week at the hospital to check his blood until he can start the stem cell collection and therapy.

I'd like to thank all of you who are contributing to this fund. Jefre's recovery is expected to take more than a year during which he will be unable to work. We're so grateful to have such loving and caring friends. We would be lost without you.

With love and gratitude,

Astrid