jeffbcancerfree

I am setting up this gofundme account for my childhood friend,  Debbie to raise money for her husband Jeff's medical costs. Jeff was diagnosed with cancer on his vocal cord 4-5 years ago. He seemed to make a full recovery with surgery and radiation, until this past fall when the cancer was again diagnosed in the same area.

After many consultations, it was decided the only real option was a major surgery called a laryngopharyngectomy with an esophageal reconstruction. This surgery involved removal of his voice box as well as a portion of his esophagus. The esophageal reconstruction is a rebuild of the esophagus from skin from another location to give the ability to eat afterwards.

Jeff underwent surgery at Massachusetts Eye and Ear on January 20. Overall the surgery was a success. Things were going fine until a staph infection appeared in Jeff's incision and it required at least another weeks stay.

Jeff is remaining positive, as is his family as they are waiting for pathology results to come back, but he has a long road ahead of him. He is still in Boston and Debbie and Adriene are still staying in a hotel. At this point, rehab will likely need to happen as the infection site needs a lot of care.

After Jeff is fully healed, there will also be treatment to get him speaking again - either through using speech therapy to learn how to use esophageal speech or through an additional surgery in Boston to install a prosthesis device. There will be ongoing supplies needed monthly as well as an electrolarynx device. The costs are mounting up with a continued stay, potential rehab, hospital bills, reoccurring trips/follow ups to Boston, and both Jeff and Debbie being out of work at this time. I want to lessen the impact this will have on them both and I know as a lifelong community member we do what we can for our own. We are the Valley! I will be ever thankful for your contributions to support Jeff and Debbie as I know they and their family will be.

If more funds are raised then what Debbie and Jeff need, they plan to donate to an organization called Support for People with Oral, Head and Neck Cancer, so to help other families like themselves dealing with a similar issue.