On April 1, 2019, Jaden, an athletic, 21 year-old, was completing the final portion of his physical exam, a 1.5 mile run, as part of the interview process with the South Dakota State Highway Patrol; His dream job was in sight! He began to feel a sharp pain in his legs, and as he approached the finish line, his body collapsed. The shocking inability to stand  up and recover resulted in an EMT transfer to the ER and a life changing diagnosis.

In a few short minutes, Jaden’s life went from reaping the benefits of a completed post secondary program and committed physical training for his dream job to a diagnosis of metastasized adrenal gland cancer called Pheochromocytoma.  In the following months, Jaden was treated at the Mayo and endured an invasive surgery removing three tumors, lymph nodes, and his left adrenal gland. His recovery included an extended ICU stay due to multiple heart attacks as his body attempted to re-regulate and counter heart disease caused by the cancer. The devastating news from Jaden’s medical team was that there is no cure for the cancer that is breaking down his spine and hip bone. His long-term medical plan includes infusions, monitoring the cancer’s progression, and dreaded words such as “stable” and “comfort.”

Many people have reached out and asked how they can help beyond their thoughts and prayers. We created this page as a way for all of us to support Jaden’s ability to cover the cost of his remaining truck payments, make college loan payments,  and alleviate travel and hotel expenses in Rochester for his long-term treatment.

We are still praying for a miracle. Until that prayer is answered, all who love Jaden deeply desire to see him return to the life activities that bring him joy - golf, singing, and being an amazingly supportive big brother.