Last summer Jeff had bowel surgery as a result of kidney stones. Because he had to wait to have the surgery, Jeff’s bowels ruptured which created a blood clot and caused a massive stroke during surgery which damaged nearly the entire right hemisphere of his brain. Jeff is now fairly healthy, but is partially paralyzed on his left side and cannot walk or use his left hand. We have ordered an electric wheelchair that should arrive in about a month which will provide him much needed freedom, as he has been bed-ridden since he came home in January. I think this situation has been the hardest for him since this tragedy — the fact that he is the one who is now totally dependent on others.

Even with insurance, Jeff will have many uninsured, injury-related expenses such as: co-pays and deductibles, doctor visits and a wheelchair accessible van. I have had to quit work to be Jeff’s caregiver which has placed a financial strain on our resources. While Jeff’s traumatic brain injury was caused by surgery rather than a sudden accident, it has been just as devastating. He is 53-years-old, a published author who hopes to someday once again be a productive member of his family and community and help with his children who are still at home.

To help offset such expenses, a fundraising campaign in Jeff’s honor has been established with HelpHOPELive, a trusted nonprofit organization that has been providing community-based fundraising guidance to patients and their families for more than 30 years. All donations are tax-deductible, are held by HelpHOPELive, are held by HelpHOPELive in the Great Lakes Catastrophic Illness Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for illness-related expenses only. If you would like to make a contribution today, please click the DONATE NOW button.

Thank you for your help and support.

Melissa Compston
937-580-1005