Jeff Beavin Beating Cancer

First let me tell you that this is NOT easy.  Our family has never been "takers" or "askers", and we have always tried to be the ones chipping in to help others. My family and I have been so blessed and have been asked DAILY what people can do to help Jeff get through this .  Jeff  was diagnosed with Stage 1 Throat (tonsil) Cancer back in February of 2017. Jeff actually had his tonsils removed when he was a toddler, but the area that had them eventually grew to be cancerous. Surgery was not an option. He is a very active father of five kids, and an amazing son, father, uncle, friend, brother in law, coach, employee...and the list could go on. Everyone who knows Jeff would tell you he is outgoing (especially at sporting events-yikes!) ,remarkably funny and is very concerned with the well being of others before himself. Since his dianosis and treatments began a few months ago, his life has changed dramatically, and not in a great way. Although his attitude and outlook is as positive as one could be in this situation, as you can read on his Caring Bridge website things have been truly difficult for him . As a family, we have debated on whether or not to start a medical campaign to help him with all the bills. When someone reaches out to others for monetary help it lends itself to judgment and creates a magnifying glass as to what that person is going to do with any donations. I can tell you that yes, Jeff has health insurance . His insurance is good , and he is GRATEFUL to have it! However, anyone who has ever had medical issues that were prolonged can tell you that even the best insurance does not cover the total cost that the patient encounters. The copays are costly, tons of prescriptions are needed, gas money to go back and forth to the Dr daily for radiation and chemo, and sometimes unforseen expenses that insurance simply doesnt cover- OTC medications, feeding tube formulas, extra syringes, etc. The costs for the critical tests that have been and will be needed are astronomical. So far he has spent about $4000+ out of pocket and the bills are coming in daily.  I would post some of the outrageous ones but we will just assume that everyone has at some point had to encounter these type bills as well. He will no doubt be making monthly payments for these out of pocket expenses for many years to come. 

Because we have had so many people ask how they can help, we decided to give this a try and see what happens. For those who are praying daily for Jeff and those who are taking care of him and the kids daily, thank you , that is more than any amount of money can do for him during this whole season of his life. For those of you who have sent gift cards to Walmart and Ingles, etc, those are huge blessings as well.  If you choose to read this and are not in a place to give, or are not led to give, then that is ok as well! God will take care of Jeff just like He does ALL of His faithful children, and we know that for a fact...but life goes on and the same bills that come in to be paid still come in , regardless of whether that person has cancer or not. Everyone has been so sweet to text him , email him and send their well wishes and even send food for his kids- you have no idea of the impact you have made. He will never forget your generosity , and I can guarantee you there will be years of thankfullness and humblesness to follow when this is all over with.

In closing, please know that this is probably the most difficult "letter" I have ever had to write. As I said before, this is not a guilt inducing ploy to get donations, it's just a way to finally answer the question that we are asked the most:

"What can we do to help?"



Thank you for your time, and keep lifting up those prayers!

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, thankful in prayer. 
Romans 12:12 

Laura Higbie (Jeff's Sister)