Support for Jeff Blanchard

On Sunday, February 3rd, after battling some flu like symptoms throughout the week, Jeff was admitted to Southlake Hospital in Newmarket. He was diagnosed with a severe case of influenza and double pneumonia and the doctors were very concerned to the point that he had been given a 35-50% chance of survival. They did not have the proper equipment  at Southlake, so the next day he was admitted to Toronto General Hospital to be hooked up to an ECMO machine (provides oxygen to his blood, outside of his body) for, what they said would be 4 weeks. Jeff began his battle to  beat the odds, and was off the machine 8 days later! After moving out of the ICU he began rehab and started regular dialysis.  After a transfer to Mackenzie Health in Richmond Hill to continue his recovery, he was finally released from hospital last Monday - a month after he was admitted. He has battled hard,  steadily improved and is feeling motivated to continue his recovery more comfortably at home! 

However, one of his biggest challenges going forward is that he does not know when he will be able to return to work.  This poses significant financial strain, as he continues to have the same living expenses, on a greatly reduced income (at this time he is still awaiting sickness benefits through EI).  Additionally, he and his family have incurred added expense from the daily travel while at Toronto General Hospital and dialysis at Mackenzie Health, parking and other health-related expenses.

Experiencing a serious and unexpected health crisis is a time of high stress and worry.  The physical and emotional recovery is wearing, and adding to it financial insecurity adds another layer of stress.  We all want Jeff's recovery to be as smooth-as possible, and allowing him to worry less about finances and more on his physical and emotional well-being is imperative.  Jeff has so humbly expressed his gratitude for the outpour of support he has received from his family, friends, colleagues and community at large... It's hard to ask for help - let's show him that we're all behind him and help ease some of the burden so he can focus more on getting back to the Jeff we all know and love!

Thank you for contributing in whatever way you can - if you know Jeff, you know he would give the shirt off his own back for you... he's just that kind of guy!  Please feel free to share, share, share - you never know who's able to help out!

Thanks for taking the time to read - it means so much!

- on behalf of Jeff and his family & friends
Michael & Tracy Bowles