A year ago Parkland Little League Information Officer and coach, Jeff Koss, went into the hospital with a fever and what seemed to be appendicitis. His wife Alison and their three children: Morgan 14, Connor 12, and Owen 11 prayed that all would turn out fine. The doctors proceeded with surgery and found that it wasn’t appendicitis after all. The pain was actually being caused by a large tumor on Jeff’s colon. The doctors removed the tumor and 21 lymph nodes in the surrounding area and he was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer followed by 8 months of radiation and chemotherapy. On his first day of chemo, his youngest son wore a Superman shirt and encouraged Daddy to do the same. The tradition has spread through the entire family and many friends through Jeff’s grueling procedures.
For the time being, he will be unable to work and financially support his family, but is completely devoted to his kids, wife and the Parkland Little League organization. He manages their website, and helps with registration. Both of the boys are on Little League teams, where he was coaching until his colon cancer was discovered.
Stoically optimistic, Alison is the owner of Parkland’s Art, Paper, Scissors in the Town Center
(www.myartpaperscissors.com). She is an extremely dedicated worker with the entire family’s financial responsibility on her shoulders. Eldest daughter Morgan spends most of her time after school in the studio helping her mom with the various activities that are offered for all ages. Birthday parties, art classes, camps, ladies night out, and a variety of fun projects all happen at this creative business that has every patron smiling.
Now this cancer is back with a vengeance and Jeff has just undergone another surgery at press time. He will endure even more chemo with the actual number of treatments required to be determined as doctors evaluate his post-surgical situation.
Humbled and grateful for any help at all, Alison has become overwhelmed after more than a year caring for three children and a husband who is so ill. “I’m just treading water,” she says quietly. “It’s all I can do at this point.” She fights tears when talking about the Love Of Her Life, Jeff, and the uncertainty that comes with each new day. Alison is amazed at Jeff’s love for his family and Parkland Little League. “He has gone through so much surgery and pain, but each day he is still checking the feedback on the Little League account. He doesn’t want to disappoint anyone,” she says incredulously.
It is the hope and prayer of The Spectator staff and friends that our community will come together to help this family with their medical and ancillary expenses. Jeff, Alison and their family are extremely humbled, grateful, and thankful for your considerations, donations, and prayers.
If you would like to make a donation please see www.youcaring.com/jeffkoss-729140
Photos Courtesy of www.LisaLefevrePhotography.com
