My name is Monica, and I’m creating this fundraiser for my sister Nicole, her husband Ryan, and their newborn son Walker Lawrence Jensen.

Walker was born on March 18, 2026 as planned (breech boy) at St. Charles in Bend, Oregon. Shortly after birth, it became clear he needed more extensive care and he was quickly airlifted to OHSU in Portland, Oregon. Ryan was able to go with him, while Nicole remained in Bend temporarily to recover before joining them. It has been overwhelming, emotional, and full of unknowns.

Doctors believe Walker’s condition, a rare form of adrenal insufficiency, began in utero and led to a cascade of other related medical issues, one of which requires surgery. To keep things high level, this is not Addison’s, Cushing’s, CAH, or the more commonly known forms people may come across online. His care team believes this is a very rare congenital condition, and while it is complex, they expect Walker to develop normally and eventually live a relatively normal life. He will require lifelong medical care, close monitoring, and a great deal of education and attention from Ryan and Nicole as they learn to manage his condition.

Walker’s next major milestone is surgery, currently scheduled for Monday, March 23, barring any setbacks. Walker will remain in the OHSU NICU for an undetermined amount of time. Ryan and Nicole have been setup with an apartment at the Ronald McDonald House just steps away from a direct tram to OHSU, allowing them to get to Walker in under 10 minutes. They will live here for a few weeks so if you are wanting to send anything we will provide that address. The housing provides a daily home-cooked dinner, which has been an incredible touch to adding some normalcy to all of this.

We are starting this fundraiser to help ease some of the rising financial pressure on the family during this unimaginable time. Funds will go towards Walker's scenic helicopter ride over the beautiful Cascade mountains, his ongoing medical care, travel between Bend and Portland, and day-to-day expenses while they are away from home. It is also likely that they will need to return to OHSU regularly in the future for specialized follow-up and management that is not available locally in Bend.

Feel free to send texts of love and support, but for any questions or arrangements, please reach out to me (Monica) and I will do my best to reply. It is helpful and important for Ryan and Nicole to stay focused on Walker, and Nicole's recovery.

Ryan and Nicole have been deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support already shown to them. It means more than words can say. We do not want anyone to feel pressured to donate, your love is more than enough.