Join Jacob's Fight

Hello everyone,

We'd like to introduce you to a remarkable family - our nephew Jacob Anitra, an inspiring 8-year-old, his younger brother Jeffrey, and his parents, Elyse and Michael. They are courageously confronting the relentless challenges of Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) with unwavering hope and resilience.

Jacob's journey began at just age 1 when he was officially diagnosed with NF1, which causes the growth of tumors along nerves in the skin, brain, and other parts of the body. His life has been a rollercoaster of medical appointments, treatments, and surgeries. At the age of 4, he faced a critical issue when a tumor obstructed the passage of cerebral spinal fluid, necessitating a complex brain surgery to alleviate the building pressure. Remarkably, in the face of these daunting challenges, Jacob's spirit remains unbreakable.

He has also been diagnosed with autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and learning disabilities, but nothing has deterred Jacob from living life to the fullest. He's an exceptionally generous and humorous young soul with an unshakable passion for all things related to cars. Jacob's dream is to become a police officer, driven by the desire to help others when he grows up.

Up until recently, Jacob's symptoms were well managed, and despite his first 13 scans revealing countless tumors, medical interventions were not required. However, a recent brain and spine MRI brought unwelcome news – the discovery of new and growing tumors that now demand immediate attention. To combat this challenge, Jacob will be starting a new medication, koselugo (selumetinib), with the hope of slowing the growth of these tumors. However, this treatment comes with potential adverse effects, and Jacob will need rigorous monitoring. Monthly appointments with a cardiologist, dermatologist, ophthalmologist, and oncologist, in addition to brain and spine scans every three months, are now part of his routine.

We are reaching out to our community, friends, and well-wishers, to lend your support to Jacob and his family on this arduous journey. The funds we raise will be directed towards every aspect of Jacob's medical care, encompassing doctors' appointments, medications, and any potential surgeries. Moreover, they will serve as a lifeline for Elyse and Mike, providing assistance during periods when they need to be away from work to care for Jacob.

Your contributions, no matter the amount, will make a profound impact on Jacob's life. Please consider donating and/or sharing this campaign with your network. Let's stand by Jacob and his family, offering our support, love, and hope. Together, we can make a difference in their lives.

Warm regards,

Timothy and Meredith Steiner