Help heal a heart, Jeff's journey
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A man with a heart of gold
Meet Jeff, a loving Christian single father of a beautiful 11 year old little girl. At 6’10, he is a tall but gentle giant that is loved by everyone. He’s well respected in his community and is known for being an awesome father and an outgoing friend. Kids love him and he loves the kids as well. Jeff has always been a giver, never a taker. He will give you help, advice, and anything you need and never looks for anything in return. He is the definition of a true and honest person and someone you would want to have as a friend and as a neighbor.
Jeff’s heart of gold is slowly losing its shine. He suffers from Marfan syndrome. Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder of connective tissue. It has a variable clinical presentation, ranging from mild to severe systemic disease. The most serious manifestations involve defects of the heart valves and aorta, which may lead to early death. In his case, it’s severe. At age 10, he was diagnosed with this dreadful condition. Doctors told him when he was a child that the average lifespan of someone with his condition was 30 years. With God’s help, a doctor’s touch, and our prayers, he has surpassed that prediction.
In 2001 Jeff had an ascending aortic aneurysm that suddenly came out of nowhere. Before having emergency surgery, both coronary arteries tore. His aorta along with one artery was repaired with a graft and the other artery had to be bypassed. Doctors also implanted an artificial heart valve to replace his aortic valve that failed. In 2009 he suffered a descending aortic aneurysm which descended from his chest into both legs. This is a rare complication in someone with Marfan Syndrome. It was too dangerous and risky to repair, so doctors have monitored it for the past few years. It has continued to dialate and now requires repair.
Jeff will have surgery at the No. 1 ranked heart center in the country. The Cleveland Clinic, located in Cleveland, Ohio, specializes in these types of heart conditions. He has to arrive in Cleveland about a week before surgery for pre-op, tests, and heart monitoring. After surgery, he will require at least 10 days of hospitalization. Doctors expect at least a 6-8 week recovery period along with 4-6 months out of work. He will go back to Cleveland after 3 months for a checkup, then once a year after that for future monitoring.
His job offers short term disability for 3 months after the first 40 hours he is out of work. It only pays 60% of his regular pay and his insurance covers 80%. Costs for this type of major surgery average well over $150,000.
"God has given us two hands, one to receive with and the other to give with." - Billy Graham
Let’s give Jeff the chance to see his little girl grow up. Let’s give him the chance to see her graduate school and college. Let’s give him the chance to see her fall in love and get married. Let’s give his daughter a chance to have her father there for all the special moments yet to come in both their lives.
With your prayers, shares, concerns, and donations, together we can lend a helping hand in a critical time of need. Let’s help Jeff for who he is, a loving father and a beloved friend. Let’s make that heart of gold shine again, shine brighter than ever before.
Please add him to your Church prayer list, share on Facebook, Twitter, e-mail, text messages and by word of mouth. Your kindness and generosity is greatly appreciated!
You can also send cards, checks, and letters to:
Jeff Bowes
P.O. Box 2331
Henderson, NC 27537
- God bless
My name is Chris Renn and I created this page on Jeff's behalf. He's been my best friend/brother for over 30 years. All donations are going directly to Jeff. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Meet Jeff, a loving Christian single father of a beautiful 11 year old little girl. At 6’10, he is a tall but gentle giant that is loved by everyone. He’s well respected in his community and is known for being an awesome father and an outgoing friend. Kids love him and he loves the kids as well. Jeff has always been a giver, never a taker. He will give you help, advice, and anything you need and never looks for anything in return. He is the definition of a true and honest person and someone you would want to have as a friend and as a neighbor.
Jeff’s heart of gold is slowly losing its shine. He suffers from Marfan syndrome. Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder of connective tissue. It has a variable clinical presentation, ranging from mild to severe systemic disease. The most serious manifestations involve defects of the heart valves and aorta, which may lead to early death. In his case, it’s severe. At age 10, he was diagnosed with this dreadful condition. Doctors told him when he was a child that the average lifespan of someone with his condition was 30 years. With God’s help, a doctor’s touch, and our prayers, he has surpassed that prediction.
In 2001 Jeff had an ascending aortic aneurysm that suddenly came out of nowhere. Before having emergency surgery, both coronary arteries tore. His aorta along with one artery was repaired with a graft and the other artery had to be bypassed. Doctors also implanted an artificial heart valve to replace his aortic valve that failed. In 2009 he suffered a descending aortic aneurysm which descended from his chest into both legs. This is a rare complication in someone with Marfan Syndrome. It was too dangerous and risky to repair, so doctors have monitored it for the past few years. It has continued to dialate and now requires repair.
Jeff will have surgery at the No. 1 ranked heart center in the country. The Cleveland Clinic, located in Cleveland, Ohio, specializes in these types of heart conditions. He has to arrive in Cleveland about a week before surgery for pre-op, tests, and heart monitoring. After surgery, he will require at least 10 days of hospitalization. Doctors expect at least a 6-8 week recovery period along with 4-6 months out of work. He will go back to Cleveland after 3 months for a checkup, then once a year after that for future monitoring.
His job offers short term disability for 3 months after the first 40 hours he is out of work. It only pays 60% of his regular pay and his insurance covers 80%. Costs for this type of major surgery average well over $150,000.
"God has given us two hands, one to receive with and the other to give with." - Billy Graham
Let’s give Jeff the chance to see his little girl grow up. Let’s give him the chance to see her graduate school and college. Let’s give him the chance to see her fall in love and get married. Let’s give his daughter a chance to have her father there for all the special moments yet to come in both their lives.
With your prayers, shares, concerns, and donations, together we can lend a helping hand in a critical time of need. Let’s help Jeff for who he is, a loving father and a beloved friend. Let’s make that heart of gold shine again, shine brighter than ever before.
Please add him to your Church prayer list, share on Facebook, Twitter, e-mail, text messages and by word of mouth. Your kindness and generosity is greatly appreciated!
You can also send cards, checks, and letters to:
Jeff Bowes
P.O. Box 2331
Henderson, NC 27537
- God bless
My name is Chris Renn and I created this page on Jeff's behalf. He's been my best friend/brother for over 30 years. All donations are going directly to Jeff. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Organizer and beneficiary
Jeff Bowes
Organizer
Henderson, NC
Jefferey Bowes
Beneficiary