Jerid Maskovich Lung Disease Medical Fund

Jerid is one of the most giving people I know, and now he needs our help! He is too humble to ask for help, so I'd like to ask on his behalf.

At only 46 years of age, Jerid's lungs are like an 80 year old's lungs. Just in the last 3 months, he has lost 35% of his lung capacity and has been ordered to be on 3 liters of oxygen assistance. As of yet, even after a biopsy and numerous other local testing, Jerid and his family have not been given any answers as to why. He has been given a general "Lung Disease" diagnosis, but a specific diagnosis has not been able to be reached. His lungs continue to deteriorate, and at a much faster pace than anticipated. If this continues, he is looking at an inevitable double lung transplant in the near future.

Jerid has dedicated his entire life to helping others, serving many years on the Ft. Pierre and Pierre Fire Departments, Vice President of High Plains Wildlife, Vice President of the Boys and Girls Club in Pierre, many years and hours of volunteer work at the SD State Parks in Pierre, volunteering with the City of Pierre for Clean Up Days, and numerous other personal volunteering and opening his heart to help others in various ways.

Despite extensive testing in Rapid City, as well as the Mayo Clinic, the cause of this "unknown" Lung Disease has not been found. Due to the already completed testing over the last few months, it has already caused great financial strain on him and his family. He has no vacation time left or paid sick leave left. Yes, they have medical insurance, but as many of you know, insurance only goes so far. There are still co-pays, out of pocket percentages to pay, hotel costs, travel costs, loss of income due to missing work, etc.

Jerid and his family need our help. Monument and Mayo have referred him to National Jewish Hospital in Denver, Colorado to hopefully find some answers and treatment. National Jewish Health is the leading respiratory hospital/clinic in the country doing research and treatment in respiratory, cardiac, immune and related disorders. It is an internationally respected medical center that draws people from many countries to receive care. This trip will be financially exhausting on an already strained family.

Due to the urgency of his lung deterioration and health, I wanted to see if we can all come together to help Jerid with some of these piling up expenses. Even a small amount donated adds up! Jerid and his wife leave for Denver in just 11 days, and I know that he would be beyond grateful for any help we can offer, even if he'd never ask for help himself.