"Sharing, caring...and helping Jeff and Nancy..."
Donation protected
We are so very grateful to all who have responded to this call for support for Jeff and Nancy. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!! We are raising the goal as we feel there will be many additional expenses not included in our fIrst goal. You have all been so marvelous about GIVING, SHARING, and CARING. Please continue to share Jeff and Nancy's story as we move forward.
"I'd like you to meet Jeff Hunter and his wife Nancy, beloved residents of our little town Rockaway Beach, on the beautiful North Coast of Oregon. Since March of 2017, Jeff has been General Manager of the Rockaway Beach Resort, a homeowners association of condominiums. Jeff has always gone the extra mile to be the most conscientious and welcoming host for both owners and guests. He has provided many special activities, such as crabbing and clamming weekends, that were much enjoyed by both guests and locals. His role of being a super friendly guide and teacher, as well as a wonderful advocate for the Resort and the entire Rockaway community, was always flavored with his own special brand of humor. Jeff and Nancy are so friendly and caring, they quickly became favorites in our little town.
They lived in Cape Meares for ten years and bought a home in Rockaway Beach to be closer to Jeff’s job about three years ago.. As a former retail site, it needed a lot of modifications! In March, 2019, during the middle of working on the house, Jeff was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. ALS is a neuromuscular progressive disease. It slowly destroys all the muscles in the body, including those that control swallowing and breathing. ALS is always fatal. Life expectancy is usually two to five years.
Despite the devastating news, Jeff and Nancy have strived to keep life as normal as possible. Jeff started treatment that is hoped to slow progression of the disease. As his disease progressed, Nancy took a long leave from her job as a flight attendant to be home, caring for Jeff. Ultimately she was furloughed from United Airlines because of COVID-19. She began working at the Resort, to help Jeff continue the great atmosphere and care that homeowners and guests had come to expect.
Work eventually came to a complete stop on the house, as Jeff’s disease progressed. Currently, the “kitchen” has only a few tables used as countertops and a laundry sink. Keeping things normal was challenging, but Nancy's care and Jeff's indomitable spirit and wacky humor and community support kept things going.
Then, at the end of October 2020, came another BIG blow.
Jeff and Nancy were let go by the brand-new president of the Resort Board. This was completely unexpected, without any warning. It was also a big shock to the homeowners and guests, who instantly expressed their dismay.
The instant loss of two incomes has such a HUGE impact. Jeff has applied for social security disability, but has been told that, even if it is fast-tracked, it will be 5-6 months before any payments are received. Jeff's level of care means he needs a full-time caregiver/assistant, so Nancy needs to be home with Jeff.
If the Veterans Benefits Administration had stepped up, all of Jeff’s needs, both physical and financial, would be covered. But the VA told Jeff that his 4 years in the Oregon Army National Guard “doesn’t count” as far as VA benefits go.
We are determined to take away the huge financial burden this places on Jeff and Nancy. The community of Rockaway knows what special people Jeff and Nancy are, and we stand behind them for support. We are now asking for YOUR support and donations to this very special couple who are facing a future that will be difficult and challenging in so many ways. We are hoping to provide replacement income for 6 months, to help with monthly expenses, and also some help with making the house more functional. Your donations and your kind thoughts are so appreciated! Thank you for helping Jeff and Nancy face the future."
"I'd like you to meet Jeff Hunter and his wife Nancy, beloved residents of our little town Rockaway Beach, on the beautiful North Coast of Oregon. Since March of 2017, Jeff has been General Manager of the Rockaway Beach Resort, a homeowners association of condominiums. Jeff has always gone the extra mile to be the most conscientious and welcoming host for both owners and guests. He has provided many special activities, such as crabbing and clamming weekends, that were much enjoyed by both guests and locals. His role of being a super friendly guide and teacher, as well as a wonderful advocate for the Resort and the entire Rockaway community, was always flavored with his own special brand of humor. Jeff and Nancy are so friendly and caring, they quickly became favorites in our little town.
They lived in Cape Meares for ten years and bought a home in Rockaway Beach to be closer to Jeff’s job about three years ago.. As a former retail site, it needed a lot of modifications! In March, 2019, during the middle of working on the house, Jeff was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. ALS is a neuromuscular progressive disease. It slowly destroys all the muscles in the body, including those that control swallowing and breathing. ALS is always fatal. Life expectancy is usually two to five years.
Despite the devastating news, Jeff and Nancy have strived to keep life as normal as possible. Jeff started treatment that is hoped to slow progression of the disease. As his disease progressed, Nancy took a long leave from her job as a flight attendant to be home, caring for Jeff. Ultimately she was furloughed from United Airlines because of COVID-19. She began working at the Resort, to help Jeff continue the great atmosphere and care that homeowners and guests had come to expect.
Work eventually came to a complete stop on the house, as Jeff’s disease progressed. Currently, the “kitchen” has only a few tables used as countertops and a laundry sink. Keeping things normal was challenging, but Nancy's care and Jeff's indomitable spirit and wacky humor and community support kept things going.
Then, at the end of October 2020, came another BIG blow.
Jeff and Nancy were let go by the brand-new president of the Resort Board. This was completely unexpected, without any warning. It was also a big shock to the homeowners and guests, who instantly expressed their dismay.
The instant loss of two incomes has such a HUGE impact. Jeff has applied for social security disability, but has been told that, even if it is fast-tracked, it will be 5-6 months before any payments are received. Jeff's level of care means he needs a full-time caregiver/assistant, so Nancy needs to be home with Jeff.
If the Veterans Benefits Administration had stepped up, all of Jeff’s needs, both physical and financial, would be covered. But the VA told Jeff that his 4 years in the Oregon Army National Guard “doesn’t count” as far as VA benefits go.
We are determined to take away the huge financial burden this places on Jeff and Nancy. The community of Rockaway knows what special people Jeff and Nancy are, and we stand behind them for support. We are now asking for YOUR support and donations to this very special couple who are facing a future that will be difficult and challenging in so many ways. We are hoping to provide replacement income for 6 months, to help with monthly expenses, and also some help with making the house more functional. Your donations and your kind thoughts are so appreciated! Thank you for helping Jeff and Nancy face the future."
Organiser and beneficiary
Cindy Kay Gregory
Organiser
Rockaway Beach, OR
Jeff Hunter
Beneficiary
