Join Jakob's Fight: Overcoming a Critical Brain Infection

A boy of just nine years old, is fighting the biggest battle of his young, little life. Jakob, also known as Spider-Man, is an active kid who loves soccer, playing Minecraft and pulling pranks on his big brother, Jaxon. Jakob is also learning what it takes to become a true super hero! Unfortunately, this means he is battling the worst infection we could ever imagine.

What began as a sinus infection, soon became his family’s worst nightmare. Within a couple of days of being sick, Jakob’s headache increased so dramatically it caused his parents to rush him to the emergency room. It was there, that doctors reported his sinus infection had gone into his forehead and possibly worse, into his brain.

Jakob was transported from a local hospital to a children’s hospital, more than an hour away from home, where he would undergo his first procedure. After going through the nasal cavity to drain the infection, a tumor was discovered and subsequently removed. He was being closely monitored and received antibiotics intravenously. He had a great team of doctors looking after him.

Following this procedure, a secondary MRI then showed that his infection had worsened, despite having surgery the day before. Jakob was then taken in for a second procedure, where he was operated on for more than four hours. This operation was intensive, as surgeons had to cut him from temple to temple to clear out the infection from his brain.

Today, Jakob is recovering in the ICU but he is still fighting a battle bigger than Green Goblin and Venom combined!! He currently has a blood clot, is working on lessening any brain swelling and trying to sleep as much as possible.

Through it all his mom, Heather, has been constantly at his side, holding his hand and giving him strength. Doctor’s are predicting he may need to stay hospitalized for another 4-6 weeks to continue working through the infection, and hopefully not needing any further surgeries. It has been very difficult for his parents, who are needing to take time from work to be with him at all times. Jonathan, his dad, has also been driving an hour back and fourth between Houston and home, to take care of Jakob’s big brother, Jaxon, so he can stay home at night and continue going to school.

The Klingenberg family is asking for assistance in being able to continue traveling, taking time from work, meal planning and sourcing funds for medical bills. They are also asking that friends and family add Jakob to their prayers, send him the best of energy and to keep him in your thoughts at this time. They also want to bring awareness to other families to inform them of how quickly an infection can spread and to be aware of early signs such as increased headaches. Thank you all for taking the time to read and support Jakob and his family. Like his hero, Peter Parker, he is the bravest, strongest little boy I know. He’s also my favorite super hero!!

Update on Jakob: Jonathan and Heather have been so incredibly overwhelmed with love, support and the prayers that have received for Jakob!! We have successfully reached our current goal, but will keep our fundraiser open for any continued support. Today Jakob is more active, has gone into the children’s play area and played PAC-Man. As much as he tells his mom he wants to go home, he is receiving the best of care from an incredible team of surgeons, physicians and nurses. He will remain hospitalized to monitor his recovery for the next few weeks. He is receiving the best of care and getting so much support from everyone. He’s rebuilding all of his strength and fighting Venom the best he can!!

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