SUNDAY AUGUST 17 UPDATE FROM BENEFIT

There's not beating around the bush with what happened last night because I am sure most of us already know. Jeff was released from the hospital Saturday morning and went straight home and to bed. He wanted to rest all day so that he could participate in the benefit. I felt like I was crashing a family reunion because Jeff has a huge family and they were all there. Shortly after the benefit started, Jeff had a small seizure. Tina was in control until the paramedics arrived and she was able to keep Jeff still and focused on her. Jeff was transported to Rockdale until they were certain he was stable and then they moved him to Emory.

Right now, the doctors are unsure what caused the seizure. Friday, he had an MRI of his head and it was clear so they are bring in a neurologist to help figure this out. So, again, Jeff is back at Emory.

Because Jeff is a class act, he wasn't going to leave the Whistle Post on anyones terms but his own. Before Jeff jumped up on the stretcher, he yelled, in his Coach Blount voice 'I'm leaving, but ya'll have a great time'. To this, Jeff received a standing ovation.

Tina's sister and mother were at the benefit supporting Jeff and Tina.

Megan, Hannah and Christian.

The first act of the night.

Jeff's brother-in-law and nephew, Freddie and Christian.

Darlene Evans, right, is responsible for the DO NOT FEAR shirts.

KJ, left, is Jeff's cousin and responsible for organizing this event. Matt took the opportunity to thank everyone for supporting Jeff and his family. Look at Drew and Megan. If this is how they have to look up to their big brother, the are going to have neck problems before they reach high school.

I hope Tina doesn't think that Matt is still one of her babies because we saw the 'young man' last night. Cancer is an emotional roller coaster and as much as the family tries to protect Megan and Drew from those things they should never have to witness, they are still aware that something is happening, especially Drew. Last night, Matt was their rock.

Jeff's Aunts: Jeff's dad has many sisters!

Thanks to Salem Coaches/ Faculty, students, athletes, family, friends and everyone else who was able to make the benefit last night. The first report I heard was that the benefit raised a few dollars shy of $5,000.00.

It is hard to tell, right now, how long Jeff will be at Emory. According to Tina, Emory Hospital shuts down on the weekend so it might not be until tomorrow that Jeff meets with a neurologist to try to determine the cause of the seizure.