I’m fundraising for my dear friend, Jamie (Meseth) Welton — a loving wife, adoring momma, talented chef, and proud Chicago (now Portland) girl whose life changed overnight with an ALS diagnosis. If you know Jamie, you know her laugh, her warmth, and her way of making everyone feel like family around her table. Jamie grew up on the Northwest side of Chicago, graduating from St. Thecla (’89) and Resurrection High School (’93) and went on to attend cooking school where she pursued her passion to become a professional Chef. Jamie has always carried that classic Chicago mix of grit, mischief, humor, and heart; we’ve been dear friends since kindergarten and have created (and evaded) our fair share of trouble over the years.

Jamie turned her creativity and passion into an amazing career, working in wonderful restaurants in Chicago, Madison, and Portland. Food was never just food for Jamie; it was how she showed love, comfort, and joy. Her beautiful cakes were always in high demand for weddings and big celebrations.

In April 2024, Jamie was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). This cruel, progressive disease has stolen her mobility and independence. She now relies on a motorized wheelchair, and the disease progression continues with new limitations presenting constantly.

What ALS cannot touch is who Jamie is: a devoted wife to her husband Jeff, a loving, fun, and fiercely supportive mom to Natalie (18) and Lucas (15), and the creative, generous friend who shows up for everyone else, even on her hardest days.

Day-to-day life has become incredibly difficult. The home that once held so much laughter and activity is now full of physical barriers that make even basic tasks exhausting and unsafe, and Jamie relies on a full-time caregiver (angel Sheila) to assist with activities of daily living.

What the funds will be used for:

Your support will help the Welton family make essential, urgent changes:

• Bathroom remodel: Jamie desperately needs a fully handicapped-accessible bathroom. This means a roll-in shower, grab bars, appropriate fixtures, and enough space for her motorized wheelchair.

• Wheelchair-accessible van (if funds allow): As her motorized wheelchair becomes her primary way of getting around, a van with a lift or ramp will be critical so she can get to medical appointments, attend events, and still be part of family and community life outside of home.

These are not “nice-to-have” upgrades, they are basic needs that come with a devastating diagnosis, and the costs are overwhelming.

How you can help:

Jamie has always been the one to feed others, celebrate others, and lift others up. Now, it’s our turn to show up for her.

• Please consider making a donation of any amount.

• Share this fundraiser with fellow St. Thecla, Resurrection, Chicago-area and Portland-area friends, neighbors, and classmates.

• Keep Jamie, Jeff, Natalie, and Lucas in your thoughts and prayers.

From her Chicago roots to her beautiful meals and big-hearted humor, Jamie has made so many lives better just by being herself. With your help, we can give her the safety, comfort, and access she needs as she navigates ALS, while we remind her family that they are not facing this alone.

Thank you for loving Jamie and for helping this incredible family.