Jeff and Teresa were celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary in Cancun, Mexico, just six months after Jeff retired from working as a Physical Therapist for more than 40 years. During the trip, Jeff became very confused. Jeff and Teresa ended their vacation early to find out what was going on with Jeff.

Upon arriving in Denver, Colorado, Jeff was diagnosed with a midline diffuse glioma, a very rare and terminal type of brain cancer. After first being told the tumor was inoperable, a family friend recommended a second opinion at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Arizona. Thankfully, Jeff was assigned to Dr. Sanai (Director of Ivy Brain Tumor Center and Chief of Neurosurgical Oncology at Barrow) who confidently and successfully resected a large portion of Jeff's (inoperable) tumor. After a successful surgery, Jeff began radiation and a clinical trial at Barrow. After months of being away from home, Jeff was anxious to get home to Rapid City to get back to his normal routine, including working out, hiking with Teresa, being the "towel boy" at Sol Vibe, and spending time with his family. Jeff was able to make meaningful memories with his family during the holidays.

As part of Jeff and Teresa's retirement plan, the two had planned to travel to tropical resorts where Teresa would teach fitness classes and Jeff continue his role as a "towel boy".

In the beginning of January, Jeff, again, became confused and began to struggle with balance/coordination. Thankfully, a doctor at Barrow, for unknown reasons, looked at his MRI and was very concerned about spinal fluid in both ventricles of Jeff's brain. The doctor advised Teresa to take Jeff to the Emergency Room immediately.

On January 8, Jeff was medically flown from Monument (Rapid City) to Barrow Institute (Arizona) to get a surgery to permanently drain excess spinal fluid from his brain, scheduled for January 14, 2025.

Many kind people have graciously offered support in the form of prayers, gift cards, opening their homes, offering their cars, and many other thoughtful acts of love. People continue to "want to help", which is a constant reminder of all the amazing people supporting the Parker family. In an effort to support the Parker's during this challenging time, please continue to keep them in your prayers and consider donating what you can.