Taking Care of Our Own - TeamJeras

In October of 2018, Kevin Jeras lay on a hospital bed alone in the hall of an Emergency Room in Chicago awaiting an explanation for the side pain and weight loss he had been experiencing. The diagnosis was Stage IV Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma with lung metastasis. He was told to get his affairs in order and to tell his wife, Christine, and their young children he had a terminal illness.

Scared but not alone, they formed a plan. Christine activated their networks and began searching for the best care in the country. You can read more about TEAMJERAS – their fight, joyous life, and keep up with the latest happenings at: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/kevinjeras

This family is a team in every aspect of the word. Kevin is an essential part of the joy they find in everyday life. They fight daily for more time and still manage to create special memories; themed chemo treatments, holiday magic that includes catching real leprechauns, exploring the world through their children’s eyes, invention days, 16-foot water slide pools on their roof deck, and the list goes on. Life without him is unimaginable.

Kevin has been at Merkle for 5 years, all of that time spent supporting the Growth Team. His charisma, smarts, and guidance have been tapped into by so many over these years. Whether it’s coaching a team on how to navigate negotiations with large procurement orgs, position for the win using a business case approach, or finding the right person or service to support a large pursuit, he has touched many Merklers. For the past 2 years, he has headed the Sales Enablement Function, doing what he loves best: managing a team of high performers and driving value for Merkle and beyond. Kevin is a part of the Merkle family and close cousin to the teams he has supported at Dentsu, DEG, Isobar, and mcgarrybowen.

Kevin is now at a critical point in his journey as his condition is rapidly declining. Christine is his fulltime caregiver, head cheerleader, and CEO of Team Jeras all while supporting their two young children (Priya - 7 and Quinn - 5). The family will need financial support for safe/private travel during COVID 19 to the next care location, temporary housing, extra childcare, home medical care and transportation, post-life care, and other unplanned costs. We can assist with funding the unknown expenses to come.

If you can give, we thank you. Please take a moment each day to project positivity to Kevin and his beautiful family.

Let’s take care of our own.