Randy & Jackie Tolbert

Randy and Jackie are both going through a medical crisis. This is the season of giving, and this fundraiser will be an immense blessing.

In 2020, Jackie was diagnosed with colon cancer. Unfortunately, after surgery and chemotherapy, her cancer has returned. She has a mass that her new oncology team is trying to shrink before they attempt surgery. Radiation for 5-6 weeks could be next. Then surgery would be scheduled, followed by another six rounds of chemotherapy.

Last Christmas Eve, Randy’s defibrillator shocked him 17 times, followed by aftershocks of over 100. Jackie and Randy spent the holidays in the hospital. His heart failure worsened. He recently underwent a heart transplant evaluation, then developed pneumonia, and was transferred from SRHC ICU, back to KU Med. A couple of weeks ago, he was approved for the LVAD left ventricular assist device (heart pump) and had surgery last Thursday. Unfortunately, he had a setback with severe pneumonia and became extremely ill. Yesterday they took him back to surgery and placed a trach. He continues to push forward, trying to reach small goals daily. His doctor said today that he could be in the ICU for two more weeks. Rehab will be lengthy. Randy may not return home for a couple of months and will have to return weekly to KU Med for LVAD checks.

Jackie and Randy have given so generously throughout their lives. Each Christmas Eve, Jackie would have one of her girls take her out to the angel tree and purchase for all the kids that were not chosen. She always took treats to celebrate everyone’s birthdays at work. And they would hold special Christmas events for their coworkers and employees.

Gas, hotels, and expenses have piled up, and this is just the beginning. A long road of surgeries, rehab, doctor visits, and treatments are ahead.

Everyone is asking how to help.......let's help ease the burden. Thank you for your generosity- any amount is appreciated!