As the majority of our skydiving family is well aware,  Jeff became very ill on Saturday evening.  Ultimately his aorta ruptured, and the aortic valve was damaged.  I took him to the ER in Ottawa, where (due to facilities limitations) they were unable to treat him.  They life-flighted him to Peoria where the final diagnosis was made, and he was scheduled for major open heart surgery.  The aortic valve has been replaced with an artificial (mechanical) valve, and part of his aorta has been replaced with dacron artifical tissue.  After a 5+ hour surgery where his heart was stopped for repair (while he was on artifical venilation and life support), he has emerged with good color, and good spirits.  The operation was 100% successful and his vitals look great.  He is still very groggy due to the anesthesia, but is conscious enough that he flipped off our dad when he made a funny crack.  Jeff will probably remain on the ventilator for 24 hours or more, and won't be able to answer his phone for a couple days.  He appreciates all the calls everyone has made, and the true caring nature of our friends.  I listen to his voicemails and let him know who called.  Feel free to leave a voicemail (as I do not delete them), I save them for him to listen to when he is able.  Please keep them short though, so we don't run out of mailbox space.

I will keep every one up to date through this board, and will try to print out this topic daily to let him see it.

He will be in intensive care for at least a couple days, and may be here for up to 10 days.  He will then probably return to Ottawa for a few days, and then go back to MI with our parents for at least the first part of his 4 month recovery/rehabilitation.  Doctors say that after 4 months he should have no limitations other than those of the blood thinner he will have to take for the balance of his life. 

He won't be able to have visitors until he is out of intensive care.  When that occurs I'll post it to the board.  Rook generously offered to fly a small load of people here to see him when the time is right (thanks Rook!).  I'm not sure if there are any slots left, you 'll have to talk with Manifest about that.

The light at the end of the tunnel is much closer now.

Troy Church

Oh yeah,

Some people were asking where to send cards.  Jeff is at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria

The address is:

OSF St. Francis Medical Center

530 NE Glen Oak Ave

Peoria, IL 61637

Patient:  Jeff Church (CVICU)

Thanks again for the friendship you all have proven in this tough time.

Troy

Troy,

OMG, so sorry to hear about Jeff!! Please send him my biggest hugs and best wishes for a speedy and safe recovery!!

Beth

Troy:

Give Jeff my best. 

Deegan

Crazy stuff man!  Sorry to hear of your difficulties.  Extra glad you're still with us.  Amazing what thoes doctors can do these days.  I'm sure with their help you'll be back in full force soon.  Our thoughts are with you.

Kevin/Donna

Jeff,

Doesn't your aorta know the Awesomeness can't be stopped?  Glad surgery was successful and look forward to seeing you soon.  Glad your family is there to help watch over you in the hospital.  I know this hospital stay is cutting into your jumping, but in no time at all, you'll be looking back on this remembering the cute nurses and getting people to bring you stuffed animals and cookies.

-Keith "The other Awesomeness" Nugent

As of this morning (8-14-07), Jeff is off the ventilator, eating and has been up walking.  His temp is back to normal and he feels much better than he expected to feel at this point.  He is still in ICU recovery, which is a 4 bed ward, so he cannot receive calls there (cell phone use is prohibited).  He will hopefully be in a private room again by tomorrow.

Thanks for all the well-wishes, he sure appreciates it.

Troy

Hey Troy,

Really sorry to hear about Jeff but I'm glad he's stable and doing much better now.  Be sure to send him my best.  I live in Peoria so if you or your family need anything please feel free to ask and I'd be happy to do what I can

Good luck to Jeff and keep us updated

-Neil Wilson

here is a pic of jeff and his a portion of his new mark.  He is doing well, as you can see, and may be moved to a normal room as soon as tomorrow.  I will post as soon as that happens so you may call or visit him.

He also will probably come back to SDC for a few days prior to going to MI to complete his recovery/rehab.

Troy

Nice hair, fruitcake!  It's a good thing that chicks dig scars...

Joking aside, get well soon.  We're already missing you around here... 

See ya when you get here (probably sooner)...

JZ

P.S.   You're not going to believe your trailer when you see it.  Gulley and Diamond completely douched it out for you.  It's never been this clean!

Jeff's parents live in Dewitt, which is very close to Lansing. 

Jeff's parents live in Dewitt, which is very close to Lansing. 

He's right Jeff, chics DO dig scars, you should see all the weird places John has them! HAHA!  Glad you made it through everything in one piece.. and actually I guess you came out a head with some extra pieces hu?  Now get better soon so you can come home and play!

Dawn

Jeff -

We're glad to hear that you are OK.  Take care of yourself.  Now you'll have some time to play more games - you need the practice, anyway!  Haha!!!!   

Lisa & Todd

Hey Jeff,

It's great to see ya lookin so good!!  Hope you're outta there and back home soon!

Beth

Jeff ? 

We worked you so hard during Summerfest that we broke you huh?

The DZ won't be the same with out you, get well and get back soon.

Hug's and Kisses big guy !! 

Jerry Borek