Stage IV cancer-join Jeff's fight
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This is my husband, Jeff. He is the LOVE of my life. I affectionately call him “handsome” (because he is!) and because he has the most alluring blue eyes that draw you into his beautiful heart and soul.
We met in Dallas, Texas on a blind date, December 6, 1990. I was a single mother to my five year-old daughter, Kandis, and he a single father to his five year-old son, Christopher. It was through our children we met, fell in love and blended our families. Three years later we gave birth to our daughter, Hanna.
In 1994, Jeff’s career brought him back to his birthplace, the state of Washington and we have made the greater Seattle area our home for almost 23 years. With the children reared and gone, we sold our family home and last summer downsized to a tiny, 100 year old craftsman overlooking Puget Sound and snow capped mountains; a longtime dream of ours. It is a place for family and friends to gather, to watch sunrises and sunsets, to raise our grandchildren, to hold hands, grow old and tired together. We have found our heaven on earth.
On January 13, 2017, our family received devastating news. We learned that, at the young age of 55, Jeff has a malignant colorectal tumor with metastasis to his liver. After many medical exams, blood draws, pathology and CT/MRI scans, images revealed multiple large masses in his liver, as well as suspicious nodules in his lungs. The cancer is stage IV and his liver, at this time, is considered non-resectable.
In the blink of an eye, our lives have been turned upside down as the quest to save Jeff’s life begins. His diagnosis is daunting and his prognosis is grim, but we are relentless in our efforts to ensure the best treatment and care so that he is cured. We've asked ourselves, “Why? Why this wonderful man who lives every day selflessly and puts his loved ones at the center of his existence?”
As a freelance Sound Recording Engineer for TV, film and video, Jeff has spent the last 23 years building his reputation and scope of work, predominantly in the Pacific Northwest. Many of you have heard fascinating stories of his work with the Seahawks/NFL; TV coverage and interviews with celebrities, musicians, U.S presidents, corporate CEOs and athletes that have aired on NBC, CBS, ABC, MSNBC; documentaries for the Travel Channel, National Geographic, Discovery, The Food Network, A&E, and NOVA.
While Jeff’s career is exciting and has taken him all over the world, freelance work means he doesn't have any company benefits, paid sick time off, vacation or disability. If he is unable to work, he does not receive any wages. With this major medical setback and the grueling road ahead of aggressive chemo providing hope of resectable surgery (or surgeries), there will be a significant loss of income. While we are optimistic about Jeff’s treatment and care (and God-willing, a cure), his greatest concern is the ability to continue to work and provide for us while battling this aggressive cancer.
It isn't easy to bare the harsh reality that we need financial help, but our children and I are humbly requesting donations to help ease Jeff’s angst if, or when, has to turn down work. Every dollar will help pay for our medical deductible, parking for medical appointments, treatments not covered by insurance (Jeff is a probable candidate for Hepatic Arterial Infusions at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York), and any other unexpected expenses to come. It may even be necessary for basic needs.
We are grateful for our family and friends who are praying for us, offering help with anything and everything, and who are fighting this monster alongside us. Jeff is touched by the outpouring of love and care. We will never be able to adequately express how much it means to have your support. We are blessed abundantly and love you all with all our hearts.
Thank you and hugs,
Tracy, Kandis, Christopher, Hanna and Jeff
January 30, 2017
We met in Dallas, Texas on a blind date, December 6, 1990. I was a single mother to my five year-old daughter, Kandis, and he a single father to his five year-old son, Christopher. It was through our children we met, fell in love and blended our families. Three years later we gave birth to our daughter, Hanna.
In 1994, Jeff’s career brought him back to his birthplace, the state of Washington and we have made the greater Seattle area our home for almost 23 years. With the children reared and gone, we sold our family home and last summer downsized to a tiny, 100 year old craftsman overlooking Puget Sound and snow capped mountains; a longtime dream of ours. It is a place for family and friends to gather, to watch sunrises and sunsets, to raise our grandchildren, to hold hands, grow old and tired together. We have found our heaven on earth.
On January 13, 2017, our family received devastating news. We learned that, at the young age of 55, Jeff has a malignant colorectal tumor with metastasis to his liver. After many medical exams, blood draws, pathology and CT/MRI scans, images revealed multiple large masses in his liver, as well as suspicious nodules in his lungs. The cancer is stage IV and his liver, at this time, is considered non-resectable.
In the blink of an eye, our lives have been turned upside down as the quest to save Jeff’s life begins. His diagnosis is daunting and his prognosis is grim, but we are relentless in our efforts to ensure the best treatment and care so that he is cured. We've asked ourselves, “Why? Why this wonderful man who lives every day selflessly and puts his loved ones at the center of his existence?”
As a freelance Sound Recording Engineer for TV, film and video, Jeff has spent the last 23 years building his reputation and scope of work, predominantly in the Pacific Northwest. Many of you have heard fascinating stories of his work with the Seahawks/NFL; TV coverage and interviews with celebrities, musicians, U.S presidents, corporate CEOs and athletes that have aired on NBC, CBS, ABC, MSNBC; documentaries for the Travel Channel, National Geographic, Discovery, The Food Network, A&E, and NOVA.
While Jeff’s career is exciting and has taken him all over the world, freelance work means he doesn't have any company benefits, paid sick time off, vacation or disability. If he is unable to work, he does not receive any wages. With this major medical setback and the grueling road ahead of aggressive chemo providing hope of resectable surgery (or surgeries), there will be a significant loss of income. While we are optimistic about Jeff’s treatment and care (and God-willing, a cure), his greatest concern is the ability to continue to work and provide for us while battling this aggressive cancer.
It isn't easy to bare the harsh reality that we need financial help, but our children and I are humbly requesting donations to help ease Jeff’s angst if, or when, has to turn down work. Every dollar will help pay for our medical deductible, parking for medical appointments, treatments not covered by insurance (Jeff is a probable candidate for Hepatic Arterial Infusions at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York), and any other unexpected expenses to come. It may even be necessary for basic needs.
We are grateful for our family and friends who are praying for us, offering help with anything and everything, and who are fighting this monster alongside us. Jeff is touched by the outpouring of love and care. We will never be able to adequately express how much it means to have your support. We are blessed abundantly and love you all with all our hearts.
Thank you and hugs,
Tracy, Kandis, Christopher, Hanna and Jeff
January 30, 2017
Organizer
Tracy Cornman Hoien
Organizer
Marysville, WA
