Hello everyone and anyone who is interested in our story and viewing this post. My name is Jeff and Lesli is my beautiful wife of 2 years. I am 46 years old and was born in Worcester, Mass. I have 2 adult children, Steven 24 & Stephanie 22, both of whom unfortunately I have not seen in 15 years (not from lack of trying to find and then communicate with). My understanding is that they both live within 30 miles from me here in Washington but after many attempts..nothing really.. But I digress. Both of my parents are well, living in Las Vegas and I have 2 brothers and a sister whom I love very much! I am also a US Army Veteran with an Honorable discharge and have worked hard for most of my life. Poor decisions and alcohol abuse have blocked my path on more than one occasion through my life's journey but I'd like to consider myself a very good man with a kind, generous heart  who has tried to be the best person I can be and always considerate and polite to others. I've been told that I am a pretty good guy :-).
  I want to start off by saying that I have been diagnosed with Chronic Pancreatitis and as a last resort for treatment will be having what is called "Whipple" surgery on the 20th of May 2015. I have been in and out of the hospital several times (26 days total) since the 2nd of February 2015, and 3 attempts were made to treat my condition through alternate procedures without success. The only remaining option now is this very complicated and serious surgery that will consist of 12 hours in the O.R (where part of my pancreas, stomach, gall bladder and intestine will be removed), 2-3 weeks hospitalization and 4 months home recovery with Infusion and assistance from my wife and the home infusion staff. Ugh!
  I am married to a wonderful, kind, intelligent, hard working and very loving lady (Lesli) who has been by my side throughout these very trying couple of months...she is my rock and without her I shiver to think where I would be today... Thank You soo much Honey, I Love You!! We live in Lynnwood, Washington 20 miles North of Seattle. We were married on the 13th of January 2013 and have just recently moved into a new apt. (which has drained our savings), and also we have 2 cats...Cleo and Lucy... who are our babies and bring some much needed happiness to our lives on a daily basis. Lesli is now the sole provider for our family and we are struggling living paycheck to paycheck. To make matters worse we have a 1997 Chevy Blazer that has decided that NOW is the best time to start having issues to the point of being unreliable. The drivers door had to be strapped closed permanently because the latch assembly will no longer keep the door closed and getting in and out requires us to climb in through the passenger side, over the center console and exiting the same way. Not a simple fix because the sheet metal has torn on the body. Embarrassing to say the least but also because of my condition...,very taxing! Repairs would be in the $400-500 range. She also is in desperate need of runability repairs that we just cannot afford, requiring a few hundred for tune-up, trans. service, etc... (she's running rough!). To get to my Dr's appointments and to the hospital requires a 40 mile round trip not to mention gas and parking fees which as we all know are too high these days. I am very worried that something is going to happen while I am in the hospital recovering and my wife will not be able to get to and from work each day and be able to come visit me during recovery. That would suck!!
  I am a 10 year Veteran of the United States Army and spent most of those as an Infantryman 11B but also did a couple years as a Tactical Air Traffic Controller 93C. My situation is in no way comparable to those veterans who are in a much dire situation and who have come home with horrific injuries and emotional complications.. Please, if you are looking to help someone...help them first! My utmost respect and gratitude to ALL of my Brothers and Sisters in arms.
  I have never been one to admit the need for help monetarily (this will make my father chuckle..Love You Mom and Dad) and my pride has gotten in my way many, many times. My parents have done all they can to this point and we are forever grateful and in their debt..Thx guys! However, we are now at a point where medical bills (which are in the many, many thousands of dollars already to this point and this ride is just beginning!!), purchasing a reliable used vehicle, rent and household bills, fuel, etc... is just not possible and will not be anytime in the foreseeable future.
  We realize this is a cry for help publicly but find ourselves in a position where we have to try all and everything to alleviate as much financial hardship and credit damage as possible over the next 6 months or more. We apologize for any and all embarrassment this may cause our family and friends but have gotten to the point where we MUST swallow our pride and dignity to do what is necessary to keep our home and family together without worry of eviction, falling behind too far in bills that recovery will be impossible, having a reliable means of transportation, and secure in the knowledge that everything just may be Ok and there is a light at the end of this long tunnel following...God Willing.. a successful operation and recovery with no carcinoma discovery or complications.
  Thank You All for taking the time to read our story and again, we are very very aware of others in much more need than ourselves. Any assistance will be met with the utmost appreciation and gratefulness. If ever a day comes when we can... WE WILL PAY IT FORWARD!! Thanks again for your interest.. Sincerely, Jeff and Lesli Smith(Cleo and Lucy..Kittys)  Have a wonderful Day!! :-)