Support for Jude Ebel's 11th Brain Surgery & Ongoing Care

Hi Friends,

I’m writing on behalf of my brother Seth, his wife Vanessa, their daughter Isla and their incredible 18-year-old son, Jude.

Jude is preparing for his 11th brain surgery on Wednesday, May 7, at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital in Palo Alto. This procedure will involve a resection of a portion of his left frontal lobe. We can’t thank you enough for your prayers, love, and generosity during this difficult time. Please keep Isla in your prayers as well as she will be away from Seth and Vanessa during the surgery and hospital stay.

Jude was born with a rare condition called Tuberous Sclerosis Complex and has been through more in his 18 years than most of us will experience in a lifetime. If you know Jude, you know that his joy is infectious. As Seth and Vanessa often say, “he’s a reminder of all that’s right in the world.”

This journey is as overwhelming as it sounds—physically, emotionally, and financially. The Ebel’s are facing mounting medical and travel expenses, along with ongoing needs for Jude’s developmental care, family respite, and now the complex legal process of establishing a conservatorship—so Seth and Vanessa can continue making important decisions on Jude’s behalf. Jude will need 24/7 supervision, most likely for his entire life.

The Ebel’s have experienced the Lord’s incredible provision through the Jude Ebel Medical Fund (details below). But with this latest surgery and the legal costs ahead, the fund has been depleted.

Seth and Vanessa have never asked for help lightly. But as someone who’s watched them walk this path with unwavering courage and faith, I can say with certainty: they need their community now more than ever. That’s why I’m starting this GoFundMe—to give those who love Jude (or who are moved by his story) a chance to come alongside them and help carry this burden. If you feel led to give, please know that any amount makes a meaningful difference.

You may also give a tax deductible donation by writing a check, clearly marked for Jude Ebel’s Medical Fund as follows:

Rolling Hills Community Church

ATTN: Jude Ebel Medical Fund

3550 SW Borland Rd
Tualatin, OR 97062

(Please write “Jude Ebel Medical Fund” in the memo line.)

Thank you for showing up for this incredible family. Thank you for praying. Thank you for being part of Jude’s life and story!!

With hope,

Heather McNown