Glioblastoma (Brain Cancer) Patient- Jeff Kintzler

My brother, Jeffrey Kintzler age 35, is in the fight of his life, for his life. On October 22, 2021, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He was immediately admitted into the Intensive Care Unit at Advent Health-Tampa that day. After numerous tests, MRI’s and CT scans, surgery was scheduled to remove the tumor and was completed on October 28, 2021. He was released from the hospital on November 2, 2021.

 

The news we received on November 11, 2021, has shaken our family to its core. Glioblastoma Grade IV, a reoccurring, incurable cancer. For most Glioblastoma patients there's is only a 4 percent survival rate at the 5 year mark, however each diagnosed patient's body heal and react differently. Which, life became even more precious.

 

Jeffrey immediately met with a team of doctors to plan how to proceed and created a treatment plan. On December 6, 2021 he began radiation in conjunction to chemotherapy. He completed 30 treatments of radiation and 42 doses of chemotherapy. Shortly after his treatment plan he received another MRI, unfortunately the tumor regrew and on March 14th 2022 he went in for a second brain surgery. The day after his 2nd brain surgery, he received another MRI to check on the work completed by the surgeon. Not the best of news was presented, the MRI showed a tumor that was missed due to the tumor collapsing on itself once the pressure of the cyst was alleviated. Jeff and his doctors decided that it would be best for him to go in for a 3rd brain surgery, just two days after his 2nd brain surgery;  while everything was still fresh. On March 16th he went through brain surgery number 3. The next day he had another MRI, which gave some good and bad news. The good was no tumor to be seen, the bad was he suffered a stroke that left him with some paralysis that he will need extensive PT/OT.

 

Jeff has a wife and daughter. Until he became ill, Jeff was the sole provider for his family and now that he won't be coming home for a bit his wife (Heather) won't be able to work as well, as she takes care of him and their 11 year old daughter. His twelve week short-term disability, began partial payments of his salary; this isn’t enough to cover their monthly bills and will soon be ending.

 

In the midst of the battle of his life, the astronomical medical bills are beginning to mount. Jeff’s hospital bill, was over one-quarter of a million dollars and that was just for the first surgery. As Jeff’s battle continues, doctors, tests, medications and treatments will continue to increase the outstanding debt. On top of that their only family SUV was in an accident and totalled while he has been in the hospital, his AC unit had to be fully replaced before he went in for surgery and now his house will need to be converted for handicap accessibility with minor reno done before he can go home after rehab.  Jeff’s time should not be filled with fears of monetary stress, but focusing on living his best life. Life has become even more precious to him and his family and any contribution will truly go along way.

 

As Jeff’s sister, I ask for your help not only because I love him, but for reasons that no one should have to worry about in times like these. I want him to have less stress and to be free of fear for him and his family. Any help is greatly appreciated.  Jeff, Heather, my family and I thank you so much for all your love and support.