Please Help Dave Jackson In His Fight Against Multiple Myeloma.

As some may know our friend Dave was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma after seeking treatment for back pain after a skiing trip. His cancer was first diagnosed as degenerative disk disorder and later a spinal fracture. After spending the summer in a brace without improvement, subsequent tests showed more fractures and abnormal bone marrow. He was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a type of bone marrow cancer, in September 2024. Weakening bones and painful fractures are symptoms of multiple myeloma. This has left him in serious chronic pain daily making simple tasks, sometimes just walking across the room, difficult.

Dave is part of a study for treatment of myeloma at OHSU in Portland. He is currently making weekly trips from Southern Oregon up to Portland for treatment. He and his wife Kirsten are still trying to maintain full-time work, but paid time off will eventually run out. Funds are needed to help with travel and lodging expenses, new deductibles that have just begun to hit this month and eventually at least a 2-week stay in Portland for a stem-cell transplant as part of the course of treatment. The course of treatment, which began in late October, is set to continue through at least 2025 with almost weekly trips to Portland and follow-up after that.

Dave is a long-time resident of Southern Oregon who went to school at Prospect High School and took classes at SOSC and RCC. He spent a couple of decades working to help people with disabilities as a skills trainer. He and his wife ran an adult foster home for people with chronic mental health conditions and tirelessly advocated for their well-being. Many of you know that he is currently the music director and morning host of Open Air (an eclectic music program) on Jefferson Public Radio and he hosts live interviews with musicians across the musical spectrum. You can occasionally hear him sing and play guitar at venues around the area both solo and as part of a couple of bands. Music is his lifeblood.

Kirsten Jackson, his awesome wife, is also a longtime Southern Oregon resident who grew up in Talent. They met at RCC in 2001. She does clerical work for a local hospice program. She is a gifted crafter working with fabric, resin, wood, felt and paint among other mediums.

Prior to his diagnosis, Kirsten and Dave were avid cross country and downhill skiers in the winter and paddleboarders in the summer. They loved camping and hiking, especially with their dogs. Whenever possible they love to travel, but most activities have been put on hold due to Dave’s medical issues.

Everyone dreserves help during a crisis...but there's just something about Dave that makes me feel like this guy truly deserves a helping hand. If you know Dave, you know what I'm talking about. If you don't and have just run across this Go Fund Me page randomly, picture a truly kind man, a peace loving, down-to-earth, animal-loving, bright, witty, special soul. Let's help ease this painful journey by offering financial support. He (and Kirsten) have enough to worry about.

Thank you for consideirng a contribution, and if you can, please share this page.

Abby Kraft + Friends of Dave Jackson