Community pulls together to support local man with life-threatening health issues

Jesse Barney could be your neighbor. He grew up in Herriman and worked for South Jordan City in the Parks and Recreation Department. Barney has family and many friends in the local community. Now, he needs their help after suffering the return of a life-threatening tumor growing on his optic nerve.

While Barney, 26, is on unpaid leave from work to receive treatment for his condition, the medical bills and expenses of day-to-day life are piling up. But the community is pulling together to help Barney get through it and has organized a number of fundraisers.

Jesse’s mother, Kris Barney, said the family is thankful for the outpouring of support.

“We are so humbled. It’s hard to receive, but we are so grateful,” Kris Barney said.

Jesse Barney suffered his first brain tumor when he was only 9 years old. The family - including parents Kris and Bill Barney, and his three siblings - incurred substantial medical debts while trying to ensure that Jesse received the treatment he needed to live.

Although the family had medical insurance, the first year of treatment cost more than $80,000 in out-of-pocket expenses.

Even when Jesse went into remission, the family had to budget at least $10,000 each year to pay for the MRI tests needed to ensure that the tumor wasn’t coming back.

The family had to live in a trailer for a year while working to afford the medical treatments. Even after they built their home in Herriman more than 15 years ago, the Barneys had to spend their savings, 401K and refinance their home to afford care for Jesse.

Kris Barney said that despite the challenges, Jesse has always been involved in service to the local community.

“He’s really had a normal life. He’s always kept a positive attitude and been a giving person,” she said.

Jesse Barney attended Riverton High School. He served an L.D.S. mission in Baltimore and earned his Eagle Scout award.

He worked for South Jordan City until May, when debilitating headaches, blackouts and other serious symptoms of his medical condition forced him to take unpaid leave from work to receive medical treatment.

On June 14, Jesse underwent surgery to remove the tumor that was growing into his right optic nerve. Doctors were unable to take out the entire tumor and Barney has been undergoing radiation treatments since June 28.

Doctors have said Jesse will lose the sight in his right eye, but the treatments are necessary to save his life.

To help Jesse, co-workers at South Jordan City have organized efforts to help raise the money for his medical treatments and other expenses.

“South Jordan city employees have been so good to him. They have been phenomenal. It’s just been amazing,” Kris Barney said.

Jesse’s father Bill said he is grateful for the support.

“Seeing how willing people have been to help has renewed my faith in my fellow man,” he said.

A community fundraiser was held at the District’s Chick-Fil-a on July 31 o help Jesse Barney recover and survive his medical expenses by attending the fundraiser at Chick-Fil-a on July 31. The event l included a silent auction and 20 percent of the proceeds went to help Jesse.

People are also encouraged to get involved by visiting the family blog which has information about Jesse and a place to donate at http://jessebarney.blogspot.com.