Jakob is the last person who would ever ask others for help, so I’m (his gf) organizing this fundraiser because he truly deserves the community’s support.

Jakob is 26 years old, a plumber originally from Lancaster and now living in Chester County, PA. Last fall, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. While his treatment was ultimately successful, there were many complications along the way that extended his treatment, resulted in multiple hospitalizations and surgeries, and added significant expenses.

Jakob has paid the majority of his medical expenses throughout his treatment, but he was unable to work for much of that time because of the physical demands of his job. Before getting sick, it wasn’t unusual for Jakob to work up to 60 hours a week. He is the hardest-working and most selfless person I know, and asking for help is not something that he would do.

That’s why I’m reaching out to our community now. I’d love to help ease the financial burden left from his treatment so he can finally put this chapter behind him and move forward.

If you’re able to donate, we are truly grateful. If you’re not able to donate, sharing this fundraiser is just as appreciated. And if you have balls please feel them regularly and seek medical help as soon as possible if you notice any changes.

Jakob's Treatment

Jakob noticed a change in his testicle and made an appointment with his primary care doctor. His doctor ordered imaging, but unfortunately, getting an appointment took some time. As Jakob’s symptoms continued to worsen, we decided not to wait.

Five days before his scheduled imaging appointment, we went to the ER. Four days later, Jakob underwent surgery to remove the affected testicle.

At the time of surgery, the doctors could not confirm whether it was cancer until the biopsy results came back, but they were very certain. After recovering from surgery, Jakob underwent additional scans, which confirmed that the cancer had already spread through his lymphatic system.

Jakob had only told his dad that he was having surgery because he didn’t want to worry anyone, that is how thoughtful he is.

He was scheduled to begin three rounds of BEP chemotherapy on December 1st. Before starting treatment, however, he was hospitalized because the tumors were affecting his kidney function. A nephrostomy tube was placed and remained in place throughout his treatment.

(A nephrostomy tube is a thin, flexible plastic catheter inserted through the skin of the lower back directly into the kidney to drain urine into a bag on the outside of the body)

Chemotherapy seemed to be the easiest part of this all, although Jakob experienced several complications with the nephrostomy tube. He also got appendicitis, which delayed his final round of chemotherapy.

We made several trips to the Paoli ER during treatment and we are very grateful to the nurses and staff there for the care they provided throughout his treatment.

The chemotherapy successfully shrank the tumors, but they still needed to be surgically removed. Jakob then underwent an 8ish hour robotic surgery at Bryn Mawr. During the procedure, there was a risk of losing his kidney, but the surgeon was able to save it. His ureter was left extremely thin and unfortunately ruptured several days after surgery, resulting in a urinoma.

(A urinoma is a collection of pee that exists outside your urinary tract. It usually develops when you have trauma to your abdomen or pelvis, especially surgery on your urinary tract.)

This led to additional hospitalizations, ambulance rides, and transfers between LGH and Bryn Mawr. After being discharged, Jakob had to return to the hospital multiple times as complications continued to develop.

This June, Jakob underwent a buccal graft urethroplasty to repair his ureter. The stent placed during that procedure was removed in August, on his 26th birthday. That is exactly what he wanted for his birthday, for this to be over.

(urethroplasty with a buccal mucosa graft is a reconstructive surgery used to fix a narrowed or blocked urethra by using tissue taken from the inside of the cheek)

Jakob is now doing well and has recently returned to work as a plumber. After a long year of treatment and complications, he is finally able to focus on getting back to his normal routine.