I’m Jacob, 25 years old, and I’m living with stage five kidney failure. I’ve been facing this illness for about two years, and I’m currently on the kidney transplant list while undergoing home dialysis every day.

Until recently, I was working full time, often more than 40 hours a week, doing my best to stay independent and keep up with my medical care. In July of last year, my life took an unexpected turn when I was involved in a serious car accident that left my vehicle totaled. My car was my only way to get to my medical appointments and work; losing it has made an already difficult situation harder.

Because of my health and the demands of dialysis, I’ve had to stop working. I’ve used up my short term disability while I wait for my long‑term disability claim to be processed. Right now, I’m struggling just to keep up with regular bills, and I have no way to save for a replacement vehicle. Reliable transportation isn’t a luxury for me; it’s what allows me to stay eligible for transplant, and manage the care that keeps me alive.

Even in the middle of all this, I’ve tried to stay focused on purpose and hope. I volunteer with my best friend, Teddy, an incredibly smart Belgian Malinois. Together, we were training to assist with K9 search and rescue, and I look forward to resuming the work that is so crucial in helping bring loved ones home and supporting communities in need.

My goal after receiving a kidney transplant is to rebuild my life: return to my job in the oncology field, pursue oncology nursing, and continue to give back through search and rescue and wildlife rehabilitation. I love caring for others and want to get back to the bedside and into the field as soon as my health allows. A safe, reliable car will mean I can be ready when a transplant kidney becomes available and eventually return to work and volunteering.

I am fundraising to help cover the cost of a dependable used vehicle, along with related expenses like insurance, registration, and basic maintenance so I can safely get to my treatments and appointments. Any amount you’re able to give will make a real difference in my ability to stay on track for transplant and work toward a stable, independent future. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this campaign with others is also an incredible help.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story, for supporting me in this chapter, and for helping me move one step closer to healing and getting back to the work I love.