Jerry Kearney, D.Min is Vice President for Mission with Saint Thomas Health in Tennessee. He is a well-known and loved figure within Ascension and Catholic Healthcare. His family has asked that we share his current medical condition and request your support prayer.
On Friday October 2, 2015 Jerry fell and injured his right knee. Following orthopedic surgery he began rehabilitation. In November Jerry was hospitalized at Saint Thomas Midtown to treat blood clots in his lungs (PE). This, along with a case of whooping cough, was a set back in his rehabilitation from surgery.
Several weeks into his recovery from the clots, Jerry began to notice concerning physical and cognitive symptoms. The symptoms were attributed to a very high calcium level in his system. He was again admitted to the hospital, this time to Saint Thomas West, for a week of extensive diagnostic testing. A biopsy of his liver discovered cancer of unknown origin. Additional testing has been unable to determine the source and today he began radiation treatments.
He is experiencing trouble forming words and expressing himself, likely a result of the elevated calcium levels. All who know and love Jerry as an extraordinary teacher will understand how very discouraging this is for him. He is unable to respond to e-mail and cannot receive phone calls or personal visits.
Expressions and notes left on this page will be passed along to Jerry, his wife and their children. If you would like to send a card you are welcome to send it to them c/o Saint Thomas Health, 102 Woodmont Blvd., Suite 800, Nashville, TN 37205.
An excellent teacher of scriptural truth, Jerry is fond of the story of Jesus’ healing of the paralytic found in the Gospels of Mark and Luke. These passages record the story of a sick man’s friends, unable to reach Jesus due to large crowds, hoisting him atop the roof of a building where Jesus was teaching, cutting an opening in the ceiling and lowering him gently to the floor where Jesus stood. It was the faith of good friends which brought this man’s condition to the attention of Jesus. And so it is with us. We can become such friends to Jerry and Barbara as we intentionally hold them in prayer during this difficult time.
We promise to update you on his condition and progress as Barbara and their family direct us.
CaringBridge is a nonprofit social network dedicated to helping family and friends communicate with and support loved ones during a health journey. Learn more about CaringBridge.
