Support Jeff Patnaude's Road to Recovery

Talley Banazek is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Susan Patnaude.

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Jeff’s Journey

Our dear priest, colleague, family member, and most of all very special friend, Jeff Patnaude, underwent emergency brain surgery in January 2024 for a severe, traumatic subdural hematoma resulting from a car accident in November 2023. He also required extensive neck fusion surgery. Subsequently, Jeff had two seizures and then suffered a stroke, leaving him without the ability to speak or move.

(Photo taken 1-28-24 post surgery)

After two weeks in a neurosurgical ICU hospital, Jeff was transported to a neurosurgical rehabilitation hospital, where he was admitted for an intensive speech and mobility rehabilitation process. With tremendous hard work in rehab and being surrounded by the power of many prayers, Jeff exceeded expectations and returned home on March 1 with in-home nursing care and significant medical improvement. He continued regular speech and physical therapy sessions.

During ongoing rehabilitation in late 2024, Jeff unfortunately suffered two more subdural hematomas and subsequent emergency brain surgeries, as well as two embolization surgeries. He also began a grueling six-week regimen of antibiotics requiring 20 syringes in an IV port daily. The setbacks have been difficult at times, yet Jeff remains strong, faithful, and as determined as ever to work hard and to move forward each day.

Due to Jeff’s current medical limitations, he is unable to maintain a full work schedule, which poses challenges for the family as they strive to meet the demands of their present living expenses and medical bills. Though no long-term prognosis can be determined at this time, all of us who know and love Jeff know he is working hard and is resolute toward a full recovery! In addition to his continued improved health, Jeff’s greatest desire is to return to his robust work schedule, both as an Episcopal priest and a guide for corporate leaders.

Jeff and Susan are immensely grateful for the many prayers, home-cooked meals, cards, love, and support that have surrounded them during this deeply challenging time. We ask you to please consider a donation to support Jeff’s recovery. There is no gift too small, and all money raised will go towards Jeff’s medical expenses and his family’s living expenses during this difficult time. Together, we can help alleviate the financial stressors so that Jeff and Susan may focus more time and energy on Jeff’s recovery. Thank you, in advance, for your prayerful consideration of support! Together and with God, all is possible.

This GoFundMe has been organized by Talley Banazek, a family friend of the Patnaudes who graduated with her M.Div. from Virginia Theological Seminary in May, 2025, and will be serving as a chaplain resident at Virginia Commonwealth Hospital, Richmond, VA beginning July 22, 2025.

Talley shares, "Jeff and Susan are incredibly close friends of my family and have been an enormous support to my parents and me. Jeff has impacted me in countless ways, not the least of which is his encouragement in my spiritual formation & path toward the priesthood, my immersion in a Benedictine monastery, and through his book 'Living Simultaneously: Balancing Self-Care, Personal Relationships, and Work.' I pray you will join me in supporting Jeff and his family during this very challenging journey. Every gift helps the family navigate this time with less stress and increased ability to focus on recovery. Please feel free to forward this to your friends and colleagues. Every donation makes a difference. Thank you for your support of these people I dearly love!"

Messages from some others of the many who support and love Jeff:

"One of the greatest gifts is the act of giving back. An even greater gift is to give back to someone in a time of need who has given so much to so many. Jeff played a major role in my journey and the journey of countless others. Please join me in giving back to restart his journey." - Bret Kelley, President, Trivantage

"Jeff Patnaude, aka Father Jeff, has been a colleague and good friend for twenty plus years. He is a deeply caring pastor, a fine leader of worship and an excellent preacher. The warmth of his presence adds grace to all of his work. I am personally grateful for having benefited from his wisdom and kindness." - The Right Reverend Martin Townsend, IX Bishop of Easton, retired

"I bear witness to the remarkable contributions Jeff has made to so many, and hope there be an end to his trials. My heart fills with prayers for his complete recovery." - The Reverend Blayney Colmore, retired, St. James by-the-Sea, La Jolla, CA. (Author - most recent book - "I Reserve the Right to Be Terrified")

"Jeff Patnaude’s work has dramatically influenced many leaders in the companies I’ve worked for, enhancing their growth trajectory for the better." - Laura Robblee, Chief HR/People Officer previously at Zuora and GoPro

"I’ve worked closely with Jeff Patnaude for more than ten years. Jeff's

transformational leadership teachings (and friendship) have not only

enriched my professional expertise but also profoundly impacted my

personal growth. Through his guidance, I've discovered the power within to lead with authenticity, empathy, and vision, unlocking new levels of success and fulfillment both in my career and life's journey." - Steve Preisler, President, Bus Climate Control

"I have known Jeff Patnaude for over ten years. His leadership lessons and friendship have helped me at work and in life. How to be true to myself, care about others, and have big goals. Jeff completes what other leadership teachings are missing. I feel happier in my job and in life." - Jonas Jonsson, Senior Director EMEA Solution Architecture, RedHat

"Jeff's programs just 'make you want to be a better person.' They are what the world needs now." - Greg Gall, Senior Director, Cisco Systems