Do Something, The Jeffrey Modell Story

In 1970’s New York, young parents Fred and Vicki Modell were overjoyed by the arrival of their first child, a perfect baby boy they named Jeffrey. But just months later, it became clear that something was wrong. Jeffrey was eventually diagnosed with Primary Immunodeficiency, a disorder of the immune system, that left him frequently sick and perilously susceptible to infections. Jeffrey begged his parents to “do something” to help children like him. Although his parents desperately tried, Jeffrey ultimately succumbed to his illness at the age of 15. Out of their devastating real-life loss, Fred and Vicki turned to their enduring love for each other to find the strength to fulfill their promise to Jeffrey. With just $500 in the bank, and guided by Jeffrey’s memory, they turned pain into purpose, and through The Jeffrey Modell Foundation went on to help parents and children all across the world.