Help Coach Jeff Cook Recover from Heart Attack

Jeff Cook is a Kindergarten–12th grade P.E. Teacher and Athletic Director, a former Collegiate Coach, and probably one of the most patient Referees you'll ever see. Jeff is known for qualities on par with some of the most respected competitors and coaches throughout sports history, but those who know him best often describe him in one of two ways. It's either that he has consistently poured into the lives of students and athletes for over forty years and counting; or that he whistles and sings while walking the halls before classes or after practice and games at his beloved school, Christian Heritage Academy.

On July 25, 2023, Jeff walked into the house in the White Mountains of Arizona with a different tune. He had been working outside in preparation to leave summer behind but needed to catch his breath after going up and down the hill just a few times. Although Jeff and his wife, Dorrie, were at almost 7,000 ft. elevation during these hot summer months, he wondered if the tightness in his chest might be from working out the day before. When the pain didn't subside after sitting for a bit, Dorrie drove him to their town's firehouse for an evaluation by the nearest medical professionals. An EKG quickly discovered Jeff was having an unexpected cardiac arrest.

Immediately Dorrie started praying and asking for prayer. Uncertain of what the next few hours would hold, she had confidence in God and in the love and faith of their incredible community of friends and family far and wide.

Through mountain roads, monsoons, and the dedication of the finest medical teams the family could have hoped for, Jeff was airlifted to a hospital in Phoenix where doctors performed a successful emergency triple-bypass heart surgery!

After eleven long days in the cardiac ICU, Jeff was required to remain in Phoenix for six weeks before traveling back to Chicago—his recovery period extending well beyond their intended return home.

Through these challenging times, Jeff and Dorrie have been overwhelmed with gratitude at the outpouring of kindness, support, and prayers from so many in recent days and weeks.

This fundraiser aims to offset some of the out-of-pocket expenses and unexpected costs incurred while in the hospital and away from home.

Please kindly consider helping with any donation, or even simply sharing this post via social media.

Coach Cook is part of a new team now, one that goes beyond sports or competition between the lines—he joins courageous heart-attack survivors who face the next chapter in life's journey.

Thank you for being part of his story!