Jeffrey Kizziah

There is a moment in life when everything changes in an instant—when the future you thought you had suddenly becomes uncertain, and all that matters is fighting for one more day, one more year, one more lifetime with the people you love.

That is where we are with Jeff.

Jeff needs a liver transplant, and our family is now facing one of the most frightening and overwhelming journeys of our lives. I am asking for help because I cannot imagine this world without him, and because I believe with all my heart that he still has so much life left to live.

Jeff is one of the most dedicated people I have ever known. He takes pride in his work, he is fiercely loyal to his friends, and when someone he loves needs him, he shows up. He has the biggest heart of anyone I know. He has spent much of his life worrying about everyone else before himself, often carrying his own struggles quietly while making sure the people around him were okay.

Jeff is not perfect. He would be the first person to tell you that. None of us are.

He has made mistakes. He has had battles that hurt him deeply. But his past does not define the man he is today or the man he is still becoming. His life has changed, and so has he. He is learning. He is growing. He is healing. And if we are blessed enough to receive this second chance, I know that he will continue becoming a stronger and better version of himself.

More than anything, Jeff wants to live.

He wants to live for his wife. He wants to live for his son. He wants more ordinary mornings, family dinners, laughter, arguments over silly things, holidays, birthdays, memories, and years together.

He wants the things that so many of us take for granted—the chance to simply wake up tomorrow and keep living his life.

And I want that for him more than I can put into words.

The transplant itself is only one part of this journey. The financial burden surrounding it is enormous. We are preparing for medical bills, insurance deductibles and copays, medications, anti-rejection treatments, therapy, post-transplant home healthcare, transportation, vehicle expenses, rent and everyday household bills.

After the transplant, we will also need to remain near the transplant center for approximately six weeks while Jeff is closely monitored. That means paying for lodging, transportation, food, gas and other living expenses while still trying to maintain our home and responsibilities.

The costs add up incredibly quickly at a time when our only focus should be helping Jeff survive, recover and heal.

As hard as it is for us to ask for help, we cannot do this alone.

One of the most beautiful things to come from such a frightening situation has been watching the people who love Jeff rally around him. The calls, messages, prayers, encouragement and people stepping forward to help have given him strength on days when he desperately needed it.

Jeff notices every single one of you.

He is incredibly grateful. More grateful than he probably knows how to express.

To everyone who has stood beside him, fought for him, encouraged him and reminded him that his life matters—thank you. You have helped give him the strength to keep fighting.

If you are able to donate, no amount is too small. Every contribution will go toward helping us manage the enormous expenses surrounding Jeff’s transplant and recovery.

If you cannot donate, please share his story. A share, a prayer, a message of encouragement or simply passing this fundraiser to someone else can mean more than you realize.

Jeff has spent so much of his life putting other people’s needs ahead of his own.

Now we are asking others to help us put Jeff first.

He deserves the opportunity to heal.

He deserves the opportunity to keep growing.

He deserves the opportunity to come home, hold his family, laugh with his friends, return to the work he takes so much pride in, and experience all of the days that are still waiting for him.

Most of all, he deserves the chance to live.

We are fighting for that chance with everything we have.

Thank you for reading Jeff’s story. Thank you for caring about him. Thank you for standing beside our family during one of the hardest chapters of our lives.

And from the deepest part of my heart, thank you for helping us fight to bring Jeff home.

No thank could simply be enough, but…

THANK YOU!