Support Jeff Mills' Double Lung Transplant Recovery

Help Jeff Mills Breathe Again: Support His Journey to Recovery After a Double Lung Transplant

Dear friends, family, and kind-hearted strangers,

Our beloved Jeff Mills just received the gift of life—a successful double lung transplant—at Massachusetts General Hospital, where he’s in the early stages of an extensive recovery journey. Jeff's strength, courage, and determination have led him to this moment, but now he needs our help more than ever.

The Miracle of New Lungs

On November 6th, Jeff received the life-changing call he and his family had been hoping for, giving them only five hours to make the journey to Boston. It was a call that marked the beginning of a new chapter—a chance for Jeff to breathe freely again. With immense skill and care, some of the nation’s top surgeons completed the transplant successfully, and Jeff is now beginning the complex process of learning to breathe independently with his new lungs. For the foreseeable future, he will require round-the-clock ICU care and will face many months of intensive rehabilitation.

About Jeff: A Life of Dedication and Giving Back

Jeff has always been someone who gives tirelessly to others. A dedicated vocational teacher at Dannemora Correctional Facility in NY, Jeff has also been a vital figure in the Adirondack organic farming community alongside his wife, Pam. Together, they pioneered organic farming and farmers markets in the High Peaks region, raising their three children, Jesse, Leah, and Gretchen, on their cherished 100-acre organic farm. Each of their children, along with their loving partners and Jeff’s grandchildren—Molly, Finn, and Leland—brings joy to Jeff's life and has been a source of strength throughout this journey.

Jeff is known for his wisdom, his love of music, his humor, and his unwavering devotion to his family and friends. He’s a trailblazer, a listener, a family man, a musician, and a farmer through and through—the beloved “black sheep” of Black Sheep Farm and Gardens.

Why We’re Asking for Help

This fundraiser is on behalf of Jeff and Pam as they embark on this new and challenging path. They will need to live in Boston for at least 90 days, during which time Pam will remain by Jeff’s side to support him through every step. The road ahead is uncertain, and his recovery may take anywhere from a few months to a year or longer.

We are seeking to raise $30,000 to cover essential expenses for Jeff’s recovery journey, including:

• Accommodation for Jeff and Pam in Boston for three months or more

• Farm care and animal sitters to support their animals and farm during this time

• Travel expenses (gas, tolls, and parking) as Pam travels back and forth

• Medical expenses and additional care not covered by insurance, including post-ICU support and medications

• Daily living costs for Pam and any unforeseen expenses along the way

Your Support Can Make All the Difference

As Jeff breathes through healthy lungs for the first time in years, he’s showing remarkable resilience, but he has a long way to go. Every donation, big or small, makes a difference and helps bring Jeff closer to a full recovery. Every share, every kind word, and every act of support lifts Jeff and his family up on this journey and brings them one step closer to bringing Jeff home, healthy and strong, to the life he loves.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your generosity, love, and support during this critical time. Jeff has always been there for others—now it’s our chance to be there for him.

With gratitude and hope,

The Mills Family