Giddy Up for the Brownings: Love, Hope & Support

This is the only fundraiser authorized by the Browning family.

We are Jonathan Van Dyke, a close family friend of Jeff and Jenn Browning, George Plomarity, Jeff's dear friend and his crew chief of decades, and Kevin Walker, an athlete Jeff coaches and a close friend. With the family's blessing, we are organizing this fundraiser. Jenn Browning is the beneficiary and will receive all donated funds directly.

What happened

While competing in the TDS race at UTMB near Chamonix, France, Jeff suffered a serious cardiac emergency. The race and emergency medical teams responded quickly, provided lifesaving care, and airlifted him to a hospital, where he underwent an emergency procedure to place three stents.

Jeff has regained consciousness, and his doctors are optimistic about his recovery. He is expected to remain in France for at least the next couple of weeks before he is cleared to travel home.

Out of respect for Jeff's privacy, we will share limited medical details. Updates will be provided as the family is able.

Why the family needs help

As a self-employed athlete Jeff has limited insurance coverage. He is the primary provider for Jenn and their three children, and one of the first things he worried about after waking up was how he would take care of his family.

Because this happened overseas, the immediate costs are substantial: emergency treatment and an extended hospital stay billed directly to the family, international travel and lodging while Jeff is hospitalized, and medically appropriate transportation home. Beyond that, Jeff faces months of cardiac care and rehabilitation in the United States without coverage, and an indefinite loss of the income his family depends on.

The fundraising goal is $250,000. Donations go directly to Jenn and will be used at her discretion for expenses related to this crisis, including:

• Uninsured hospital and emergency medical costs in France

• Travel, lodging, and extended stays near Jeff's hospital

• Transportation and arrangements for Jeff's return home

• Ongoing cardiac care, rehabilitation, and medication in the United States

• Household and family expenses during Jeff's recovery

• Replacement of Jeff's lost income and time away from work for family members

This is a personal fundraiser, so donations are not tax-deductible.

About Jeff

Jeff has spent years encouraging, supporting, and inspiring other people. He has pulled runners through difficult miles, helped others believe they were capable of more, and shown up with kindness when it mattered most. For many of us, Jeff was the one who offered a word of encouragement (GiddyUp!) right when we needed it. His impact reaches far beyond races and finish lines.

Now his family needs that community to show up for them.

Major shoutout to his sponsor KEEN for jumping in with support in a big way immediately!

How to help

The family's needs are immediate. If you are able to give, your contribution helps ease the financial pressure of an uninsured international medical emergency and lets Jeff focus on recovering instead of worrying about how his family will get by.

Support comes in many forms and amounts. Sharing this and all contributions make a huge collective impact in the long run as we come together.

Thank you for every donation, share, message, and prayer. Jeff has carried so many of us over the years. Now it is our turn to carry the Brownings through these hardest miles.

No one runs alone.

Giddy Up, Jeff. We are with you every step of the way.