Hi, I’m Karla, a long time friend of Jeff Lankford. We actually graduated high school in the same class and Jeff actually helped to get me my first date with my now husband of 43 years.

Jeff and his wife are in need of help financially due to medical bills they never saw coming.

On December 30, 2025, what was expected to be a routine outpatient cervical spine surgery became the beginning of a complex and ongoing medical situation.

The surgery was performed to relieve long-standing pressure on the spinal cord that had been affecting hand function and mobility. While the procedure itself was reported as successful, upon waking in recovery he experienced an unexpected complication and was unable to move his arms or legs for several hours. This required continued hospitalization and further evaluation.

Over time, movement and sensation began to return. He regained the ability to move his arms, hands, and legs, though walking required full assistance. Because he was not safe to return home, he remained hospitalized and was later transferred to Riverside Rehabilitation Hospital, where he began intensive rehabilitation. Progress was gradual but measurable, including improved hand movement, increased strength, and the ability to self-propel in a wheelchair using upper body strength.

During a follow-up appointment, it was determined that while the first surgery successfully relieved pressure at the front of the neck, there was still significant compression at the back of the cervical spine. A second cervical spine surgery was recommended to fully decompress the spinal cord and prevent further neurological damage.

The second surgery was initially scheduled but delayed due to insurance authorization issues. On the day it was originally planned, he had already been discharged from rehabilitation and transported to the hospital when it was discovered that authorization had not been completed, resulting in cancellation of the procedure and an unexpected return home.

After continued coordination and approval, the second cervical spine surgery was completed successfully, relieving the remaining compression. However, having two major cervical spine surgeries within less than three weeks placed significant strain on his body, and recovery is expected to be prolonged. Pain management remains a primary challenge.

At this time, he is unable to independently perform many activities of daily living. He is unable to walk without 100% assistance, and even then, walking is limited to assisted transfers only.

Jeff has always been a hard worker to take care of daily cost of living for his family and now he needs our help. His insurance doesn’t fully pay his medical bills and the balances are continuing to add up fast.

After talking with Jeff, I ask him this question.

“How has your life dramatically changed since all of this?”

Jeff replied, “I realized how strong and powerful my faith could be and help me get through the most challenging phase of my life!”

Jeff was baptized a few weeks before his first surgery and his relationship with God has grown tremendously during this journey.

Please help Jeff overcome some of this burden he now has, in hopes it will make his recovery much easier!

Thank you all so much in advance.