Jeffrey Xavier Neal’s name will forever be in our hearts. We walk because we hope to carry out his legacy as we follow the footsteps of the path that he led.
On May 18th, 2024, Jeff, better known as “Big Neal,” lost his life to heart complications but he did not, by any means, lose the battle. While his time on earth was shortened, having lived five years with an LVAD prior to a major heart transplant, he won in his pride and determination to share his care for individuals whose lives he touched. Through his love for Christ, the youth, and football, Jeff’s passion touched so many. Our purpose is to honor him in coming together and walking, while remembering the endless interactions we each shared with him.
We walk because we want to continue to admire his legacy. We walk because, like Big Neal, we want to inspire others. We walk so that we honor him, his wife and four daughters, his family, friends, and loved ones. We walk for an opportunity to remember a man who dedicated his life to encouraging and uplifting others throughout the community and beyond. We walk to be the mighty warriors that Jeff showed us to be.
In our walk with the American Heart Association, we hope to bring out a crowd of Jeff’s people to remember, honor, and pay tribute to him. In addition, we hope to bring awareness to congestive heart failure, for those who may not be directly affected by its impact. The Neal Family also shares a determination to bring awareness after suffering a loss of our matriarch Bessie Neal, who passed from the same illness in September 2023. In this Heart Walk, we want to show up for a person who continuously showed up for others throughout his incredible journey.
While we hope to just be a vessel and witness in this Heart Walk, we would also greatly and deeply appreciate any donations to the cause. For Big Neal, there is no value that will equal his investment to those who knew and loved him.
Thank you,
From the Neal Family and Loving Friends
