*Information about becoming a donor at the bottom of this post*
If you know Jacob Book, you know his heart is bigger than just about anyone you’ve ever met. Whether it’s students, animals, or the people he loves most, Jacob gives everything he has—until his body no longer allowed him to.
Jacob Book is not just my coworker—he is the husband of my best friend and a deeply loved member of our school community. Jacob has an enormous heart. He loves animals and has adopted two with his wife, and if it were up to him, there would be many more. They dream of starting a family someday, and until then, they pour their love into the people and animals around them. Jacob is incredible with kids. He is so gentle, patient, and loving with my son, Theo—who absolutely adores him. Some of Theo’s sweetest moments are spent curled up napping on Jake’s chest, completely content. Before his illness became this severe, Jacob rarely missed a basketball game and attended countless football games, always showing up to support his students and colleagues. He is an incredibly loving and supportive husband, a dedicated uncle, and a loyal friend—someone who consistently puts others before himself.
Right now, Jacob is facing stage 4 kidney failure. Over the past three weeks, he has only been able to come to work for two days, as his illness has left him incredibly weak and exhausted. His wife, who also works alongside us, has had to miss significant time at work to take Jacob to doctor appointments and stay with him during multiple hospital admissions. They are currently in the process of applying for disability, but that process can take up to six months. During this time, Jacob will be unable to work and will lose his insurance coverage. This means their family is not only losing income, but will also face a major increase in healthcare costs, as his wife will need to add Jacob to her insurance plan—an option that is extremely expensive for families in our district.
The funds raised through this GoFundMe will go directly toward helping Jacob and his family cover medical bills, insurance costs, and everyday living expenses. Your support will help keep them afloat while they navigate an incredibly difficult and uncertain time. Jacob has always gone above and beyond for our students. Even when he wasn’t feeling well, he showed up—coaching basketball and esports, building meaningful relationships, and making a difference in the lives of so many kids. When students were asked which staff member they trust and feel most connected to, Jacob was chosen more than anyone else. You’d be hard-pressed to find a student who doesn’t know and love Mr. Book.
Thank you for taking the time to read Jacob’s story. Every donation, no matter the size, truly makes a difference. Your kindness, generosity, and support mean more than words can express to Jacob, his family, and all of us who love him.
Interested in becoming a living kidney donor?
If you feel called to explore donating a kidney, please contact Barnes-Jewish Hospital and ask for the Living Donor Coordinator. Let them know you are interested in being evaluated as a potential donor for Jacob Book.
All testing is confidential, and donors may stop the process at any time. Medical costs related to donation are covered by the recipient’s insurance. Even being tested can help — whether through direct donation or a paired exchange.
Barnes number: [phone redacted]