Jeff Bailey

Hello my friends and family!

As you know, life can be very rewarding but also can be very challenging. I ask that you take a few minutes to listen as I share some moments in my life. I have met some amazing people during my 22 years at the Boeing Company. I started my career as a Sealer, then worked my way into Management, and now I am an Instructor, which I love. It gives me an opportunity to share my knowledge acquired through the years and help mentor the next generation of aviation workers. I have been blessed with a wonderful family, friends, and amazing kids who are grown and doing well.

Back to the reason for this message. A few years ago I was diagnosed with SLE Lupus, the most aggressive type of Lupus. For those that know about Lupus, it can be very painful and end with death. I take medications to help control this, but unfortunately there is no cure. Shortly after being diagnosed with Lupus, I still was not feeling well and went through extreme fatigue and weight loss. After many tests, I received news from my doctor that I have kidney failure, which is a complication from the Lupus. Over the years, my kidneys have deteriorated to the point where I am now in End Stage Renal Failure. I need a new kidney to survive. Through all of this and with the support from family, friends, and my amazing wife, I have kept my faith in God and pray I make it through this life changing struggle.

I’m currently on dialysis, which takes 10 hours a day and I have to do this every day! Most people at this point can not physically work, not counting the emotional stress that comes with this disease, yet I’m determined to continue to maintain my position with Boeing. My wife and I are both on the National Kidney Registry. She as a donor and me as a recipient.

About a month ago, I received a call that will change my life forever! A donor was found for me and I’m preparing to receive this gift of life. My wife has played a major role in making this happen as she will be donating one of her kidneys to another person in need. (we were not a match for each other) Both surgeries will happen on June 27, 2018 at MUSC. I ask that you say a prayer for us during this trying time.

Due to the extraordinary expense of transplantation and a life time of anti-rejection medications, this presents a challenge I cannot meet alone. I am a man of pride and don’t like asking for help, but if you are blessed with a little extra, I ask that you help us out with a donation to Help Hope Live in my name. The details are below. Many people take things, like health, for granted. It is when you find yourself not as healthy as we would like that we truly miss this gift, that is often overlooked.

I thank each and everyone of you for allowing me to share my story with you.

Sincerely, Jeff

Family and friends of Jeff Bailey are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with transplantation.

Jeff has chosen to fundraise for Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility to the full extent allowed by law for contributors. Contributors can be sure donations will be used to pay or reimburse medical and related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Give button.

For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.

Thank you for your support!