Team Brian: Keep Playing!

Dear friends, family, and community members,

We're reaching out to you with a heartfelt request to support Brian Jarboe, a devoted husband to Caroline, a cherished father of two, and unparalleled friend to all of us. On June 12, Brian underwent open heart surgery at Johns Hopkins Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland, to address an aortic dissection. While the surgery succeeded, it led to unexpected challenges that have reshaped Brian's life and that of his loved ones.

Complications from the surgery led Brian to require dialysis and have left him unable to move his body below his waist. The development led him to the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Washington, DC, where he began to work through a comprehensive program of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and psychotherapy. This regimen aims not only to restore physical strength and work-readiness but also to navigate the emotional and mental dimensions of this transformative experience.

We are thrilled to share that after months of hard work and unwavering faith, Brian was discharged to his family home on August 29th. The next phase of his journey involves adapting to new circumstances, which has created unique challenges for the Jarboe family. His physical mobility has been altered, necessitating significant adaptations to their home and vehicle. These adjustments include installation of a stair lift, widening doorways for wheelchair access, drastic modifications to make the bathroom and kitchen accessible,installing adaptive controls for their vehicle, and more. There will also be ongoing medical expenses that are not all covered by insurance.

Brian, a passionate guitarist and teacher, has shared his love of music with many. NPR colleagues recall that Brian would happily head to his lunch break every day with his guitar saying he's going to go "a-pickin’ and a-grinnin’!" As we rally behind him, let's envision the joy of seeing him back in playing shape, shredding his guitar once again.

Brian has been a devoted and beloved Audio Engineer at NPR for more than twenty-five years. He’s spent most of that time waking up at 2:30 in the morning to help get “Morning Edition” on the air to inform and entertain more than twelve million weekly listeners throughout the nation.

Brian's colleagues at NPR, his bandmates and guitar students, Caroline's colleagues, fellow congregants at Saint Ambrose Church and Saints Peter & Paul Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church, the close-knit community of Cheverly, and fellow parents at their children's schools have all been touched by the Jarboe generosity and spirit over the decades. Now, it’s our turn! Let’s work together to uplift the family during this journey. Every contribution, no matter how small, will help them to transform their home into a haven of comfort and independence.

We have the power to demonstrate to Brian, Caroline, and their children the strength of community and the depth of our care. Thank you for your compassion, support, and generosity.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Friends of the Jarboe Family