My name is Veronica, and Jordan has been a part of my life since 2008, when we met at my first restaurant job after culinary school. What began as being work acquaintances turned into years of working side by side in Houston, a chapter cooking together in Colorado at the High Lonesome Ranch, and eventually co-founding and running a Houston-based prepared meal company, Vital Kitchen, for more than nine years.

I’ve watched Jordan grow into an incredible chef, entrepreneur, and most importantly, a first-time father in November 2024 to a beautiful little girl named Elizabeth Marie. Today, I’m starting this fundraiser on his behalf as he faces a life-threatening diagnosis.

In January 2026, Jordan’s life changed overnight when he was diagnosed with glioblastoma, the most aggressive and life-threatening form of brain cancer. This is a grade 4 malignant tumor that grows rapidly, invades healthy brain tissue, and carries a very serious prognosis, even with treatment.

The tumor was located in the vision-processing area of his brain and had grown to roughly the size of a lemon, causing vision loss and neurological symptoms. By the grace of God and the skill of his surgical team, the tumor was fully removed, something that is not always possible with this disease. However, because of how glioblastoma grows and infiltrates healthy brain tissue, achieving clean margins is extremely difficult. After surgery, Jordan’s case was reviewed by specialists at the Cleveland Clinic, where advanced molecular testing confirmed a primary IDH-wildtype glioblastoma, the most severe and treatment-resistant subtype.

Because this cancer is highly resistant to standard chemotherapy and radiation, treatment often extends beyond traditional care and into emerging therapies such as immunotherapy, targeted treatments, and clinical trials, many of which are not fully covered by insurance. In addition, Jordan will require highly specialized, cancer-focused ophthalmology care to evaluate and manage the vision damage caused by the tumor, with the possibility of future surgical intervention.

Glioblastoma is currently considered incurable, with care focused on extending life, preserving brain function, and maintaining quality of life. The financial burden is significant and ongoing, including surgery, radiation, medications, frequent imaging, specialized care, travel, and periods when working simply isn’t possible.

Despite the weight of this diagnosis, Jordan’s faith remains unwavering. He believes deeply that God is his healer and that this journey is being used for something greater, to bring awareness, education, and hope to others facing serious illness. There are individuals who have experienced long-term remission through emerging therapies, and Jordan is committed to pursuing every option available with faith, strength, and determination.

Professionally, just prior to his diagnosis, Jordan entered into an exciting partnership with Smart Meals, Houston’s longest-tenured meal prep company. He was actively revitalizing the menu, expanding beyond performance meals to introduce a new wellness-focused line designed to help people live healthier lives through proper nutrition. There was a clear and ambitious vision in motion to grow the company and provide high-quality, nourishing meals that genuinely support long-term health and vitality.

This diagnosis has temporarily placed that work on hold. While Jordan is unable to be in the kitchen right now, he aspires to return with an even deeper sense of purpose, using food as a powerful tool to positively impact the health and lives of others.

Above all, Jordan is fighting for time, time to be present, healthy, and fully here as Elizabeth grows.

I am sharing Jordan’s story because no one should have to carry this kind of burden alone. My hope is that this fundraiser helps ease the financial strain so Jordan can focus on healing, time with his family, and continuing to move forward with the same strength, faith, and determination he brings to everything he does.

Whether you’re able to give, pray, or simply share Jordan’s story, every act of support truly matters. His circle is small, but with faith, prayer, teamwork, and community, so much is possible. Jordan is young, his daughter has a full life ahead of her, and this journey is a reminder to hold those we love a little closer and be grateful for today, because tomorrow is never promised.

“By His stripes we are healed.” — Isaiah 53:5