Jeff describes himself as "the luckiest person I know." The first year after his lung cancer diagnosis was difficult, with lots of medicine and oyxgen tanks. But thanks to Dana-Farber and Brigham and Women's, Jeff feels terrific today and hopes that feeling will last a long, long time

He is currently on a clinical trial that requires regular visits to Dana-Farber every three weeks, a schedule he happily follows with a smile. Jeff calls every member of his care team “absolutely fantastic."  On his treatment experience, Jeff says: "I truly believe that every doc and tech and staff member at Dana-Farber must pass a personality test before they are hired. EVERYBODY!  Each one cares for every patient as if that patient is a brother or sister. The warmth and caring are part of their mission." 

In thinking about his future goals:  Jeff hopes to  (1) lose 40 pounds the right way, (2) help as many people become debt free as possible (he is a consumer and small business bankruptcy lawyer) and (3) finally learn to promptly put away stuff his wife asks him to put away. 

Jeff also hopes to continue practicing bankruptcy law for many years. He recently signed a 25-year lease for his law office space. He will continue work there with the help of Dr. Sands, his oncology team, and all the wonderful staff at Dana-Farber. 

Jeff's family includes his wife of 47 years, Rhonda Kitaeff, and daughter, Sara Kitaeff, who is also a lawyer practicing family law in downtown Boston.

In his spare time, Jeff enjoys golf and jazz music. He is very passionate about live music and is particularly fond of going to local venues like, Scullers in Allston and the Sahara Club in Methuen.