Help support Dane & The Jensen Family

Our beloved Jensen family has recently experienced a serious medical emergency and could use some support.

Dane, Emmylou and Casey's 3 year old son, was not feeling well a couple weeks ago. Initially diagnosed with strep but after returning to the doctor a couple days later because of a continuous fever, they found themselves in the ER in Great Falls due to Dane’s lab work pointing to leukemia. They stayed overnight for observation at which point it was recommended they take a med flight to Kalispell to the Childerns Hospital where they provide care for pediatric hematology and oncology. Dane did test positive for the Epstein Barr virus (mono) and the team in Kalispell thinks Dane has an acquired form of Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) a rare disease that usually occurs in infants and young children. For Dane it was most likely acquired and triggered by the Epstein-Barr virus (mono) that he caught.

HLH causes the body's defense system, your immune system, to not work normally. Certain white blood cells — histiocytes and lymphocytes — attack other blood cells. These abnormal blood cells collect in the spleen and liver, causing these organs to enlarge. Treatment for this includes several medications; steroids, antivirals, antibiotics and possibly a mild form of chemotherapy called Etoposide.

They were hoping he wouldn’t need the Etoposide, however after a slight break in fever it came back with a vengeance and the doctors determined that the next steps were inevitable and they needed to start the Etoposide to fight the HLH. So, what they were hoping could be fought with strong antibiotics, antivirals and steroids has turned into needing the additional chemotherapy. The exact road ahead is not clear but Dane keeps fighting and he will beat this!

Casey, Emmy, Rowan & Dane could really use our support and prayers right now. Casey and Emmylou haven’t really asked for anything, mostly I think because they don’t know what to ask for, but there are a lot of us that would like to do something. We can all imagine that with both Casey & Emmy not working, the potential for bills are starting to accrue. Emmy has been recovering from knee surgery and her paid leave is nearly depleted. They are still in Kalispell at Logan’s Health Care and aren’t certain how long they will be there. As her close friend, I am going to say that ANY financial contribution is appreciated if you feel so inclined to do so. Emmy’s Venmo is also available should you choose to donate directly to her at @Emmylou-Jensen

Emmy has a big heart and has always been a great family member, friend, and employee. Now is when we can return that support!