Jeff’s Lung Transplant Journey

Some seasons in life are so much harder to navigate than others. Unfortunately, this is one of those really hard seasons for my family. 

In May of this year, my dad, Jeff Sr., was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis, a life-threatening lung condition. This diagnosis took us back almost 20 years when we watched my grandma face the same battle. Now my family is starting this extensive journey once again.
Shortly after his diagnosis, dad began using supplemental oxygen. However, after just a few months, he now must use it 24/7. In September, he met with a team of doctors to explore options. In early November, dad will be heading to Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville, TN, accompanied by my grandpa, his dad, for approximately 10 days of evaluation. Following that evaluation, dad will be placed on the lung transplant list for a double lung transplant. The average lung transplant wait time at Vanderbilt is currently 6-8 weeks. 
Following his surgery and in-patient stay, dad will be required to stay in Nashville for 3 months. During this time, they will monitor his body’s response to the transplant and provide ongoing care. My mom will obviously be at my dad’s side during this time, meaning she, too, will be out of work.

My wife Ashley and I, along with my sister Katie and her husband Nathan, will remain in Knoxville to care for my adopted siblings (15 and 12-year-olds) while mom and dad are away. We will do our best to provide them with parenting in the absence of their parents, try to bring some normalcy to their fragile young lives, and help them cope with the harsh realities this entire process presents.
You can imagine the financial burden coming for my family in the months ahead. The loss of my parent’s income for several months, coupled with the cost of the transplant and related care, along with everyday living expenses, is staggering. 

I would greatly appreciate your consideration to financially contribute. Every dollar will be used with integrity. So please give whatever you feel you can.

I want to personally thank you in advance for your involvement. Please share this story with anyone you think would get involved. I believe in the Haitian Creole proverb “Men anpil, chay pa lou” (“Many hands make the load lighter”), and I am seeking hands to make my family’s load a little lighter.
My dad is a very selfless man. He is always kind and supportive of his family and friends. I look forward to seeing the generosity of family, friends, and complete strangers coming together to support him. He is very deserving of such a Second Chance.

As I can, I’ll post updates on his journey.