Former FF of Lindsay VFD and then Muenster VFD, member of Lindsay Knights of Columbus, previous Lindsay City Councilman and 22yrs CCEMS. In the span of 16 months, Jeff has had a full right lobe liver resection, a subsequent surgery for a tumor under his rib cage, hard rounds of chemo combined with immunotherapy, and radiation. With recent new growth he is back on the harsh and extensive chemothera
py, all while exploring a new trial study not covered by insurance. Apart from being a former Lindsay Volunteer Fireman, then a Muenster Volunteer Fireman, a member of the Lindsay Knights of Columbus, previous Lindsay City Councilman and an over 22-year dedicated employee with Cooke County EMS, he has given his all for the sake of Cooke County constituents for many years. Jeff has been deemed as one of Cooke County’s best medics. He has trained many colleagues that are now in the metroplex with bigger departments or flying for the air care teams that serve our area. Being humble, Jeff was very adamant over the last 16 months to NOT have a fundraiser until it was needed. He first, with much heartbreak, liquidated his fence constructing business, a trade taught to him by his Grandfather
Arendt. During Jeff’s surgeries and first round of chemotherapy, he was able to remain gainfully employed with pay through the county’s sick pool program. Jeff, with his giving heart, donated time annually to the sick pool for other’s needs. He never imagined he would need to be on the receiving end. None-the-less, it was highly beneficial to not have to worry about finances during his early fight. Besides his giving heart and work ethic, Jeff is best at being a dad, son and husband. Jeff, the son of David and Sharon Arendt, has three children, Katie, Anna and Luke. He and wife, Heather Hess Arendt, don’t know the
difference in biology when it comes to their kids, and it shows both ways. Jeff is often times the first call from school, the chauffer, and sometimes helps Anna and Luke get out of “hot water” with mom! Heather reciprocates and has saved the day for Katie many times as well. It’s a blended family dynamic that makes his family unique, bigger and full of love! The last few months have made it hard to juggle the busy sports and school events, but Jeff is unwavering when it comes to family. Even when his counts are low you will see him in the stands cheering and he plans to attend Katie’s next marathon. After 2 surgeries, 6 different hospitals, chemotherapy, radiation and OVER a dozen doctors Jeff’s cancer has returned and is inoperable. He returned to work full time last November but due to his declining blood counts and the chemo starting to take effect he had to give up the profession he did best. Jeff will no longer be on the ambulance for Cooke County EMS. He will however, thanks to Cooke County’s great leaders, be behind the scenes in the EMS office. This is a big blessing to what will be a bittersweet journey to retirement for him in February 2025. While we are grateful for this position, this does create a scheduling problem for his appointments. Instead of his normal shift
work to schedule around, ALL of Jeff’s appointments, scans and treatments occur during regular workdays and multiple days weekly. Therefore, his take-home pay will suffer, and the financial toll will be greatly felt. Jeff was told he would likely have to be on this chemotherapy regimen indefinitely with small breaks to keep the cancer from spreading. His doctors are optimistic that he is strong enough to handle the length of treatment but they have expressed that they are unsure if insurance will cover the non-standard continuation of these drugs that are normally only approved in smaller cycles. Jeff currently receives two chemo drugs combined with a newly approved immunotherapy drug, along with high dose steroids, anti-nausea, and fluids with each treatment. The treatments take 6-7 hours to administer, and they are costly. Trials are also generally not covered by insurance, and they have some very new promising treatment trials for CCA. In his own words upon reoccurrence of the cancer Jeff said to his wife, “I am in the profession of fixing people, but I can’t fix this.” He in fact has “fixed” a LOT of people in his profession. He has a LOT of fight and has amazed all of his doctors who can’t believe how well he tolerates the abusive treatment that normally makes their CCA patients very ill. He is a fighter and needs our help to continue his fight! His large extended family and friends mean the world to him, and he is not about to give up. He has humbly agreed help is needed saying, “It’s time!"
