Jacob's Journey

Less than one week ago, four-year-old Jacob Tomashek was sitting at a baseball game snuggling with his Momma.  Two days ago he received a devastating diagnosis. 
Jacob has an aggressive form of cancer.  The doctors are very certain that it is Neuroblastoma, but cannot confirm until the biopsy results are complete.  However, we do know that there is a very large tumor taking up a majority of his abdomen.  This tumor is 14x12x10cm.  It appears to have grown out of his adrenal gland and has caused many issues.  His right kidney is being pushed down and the blood supply has been compromised to it, his liver is pushed against the side of his abdomen, and the tumor has wrapped itself around his aorta and is pushing it off to the side.  In addition, the tumor has grown between two vertebrae and has spread to several lymph nodes in his abdomen and another by his left clavicle. 
Jacob has sustained some damage to his brain due to high blood pressure and seizures.  This damage should be reversible.  At this time, the doctors are beginning an aggressive chemotherapy regimen.  The tumor is currently inoperable.  Jacob will also require surgeries and possible radiation treatment.  He will be hospitalized (2.5-3 hours from home) for quite some time and doctors have stated that it will take at least a year of intense treatment in order to even bring this into remission.   
Jacob is the son of Rachel Miller and Todd Tomashek and a great little brother to six-year-old Bentley.  Rachel has been my best friend for 16 years and I know her almost as well as I know myself most of the time.  I know that she will not be able to work during any of this, and she shouldn't have to.   She will spend all of her time sitting next to her baby.  She will focus on helping him to feel safe and as comfortable as possible as he battles for his life.  I know that there is nothing I can say to make this better for her or her family, but if we can help make sure that she does not have to worry about paying her bills that will significantly reduce the burden on her.  During this time, she should not have to worry about anything besides her children.  And, Jacob deserves to have his Momma right there with him.  
In addition to a loss of income, there will be expenses associated with Todd driving back and forth to be there with Jacob and Rachel as much as possible.  There will be the expenses of Rachel's mom, traveling back and forth from Illinois to Wisconsin so that she can help care for Bentley. 
If you are able to help, please do so.  Please share this fundraiser with your friends.  Please help us to replace Rachel's income so that she can keep her focus where it belongs.  Please pray for Jacob, Rachel, Todd and Bentley.  If you have any questions, please feel free to send me a message.  Thank you for taking the time to read this.