Jacob's Journey
Donation protected
The Kohlruss Family
Courtney and Jeff would be the last people to ask for help, but those of you familiar with their story will know that this amazing couple has been through a lot in their first two years of marriage. They have faced many uphill battles, which are far from over, and they need a little help from their friends.
A little over a year ago, on November 4, 2015, Courtney and Jeff welcomed their first born, Jacob, into the world. At birth, Jacob was diagnosed with a rare disorder called Simpson Golabi Behmel Syndrome. Those who wish to read more about this condition can visit the website: https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/simpson-golabi-behmel-syndrome. About 10 percent of people with Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome develop tumours in early childhood. Unfortunately, Jacob was one of them and, in addition to the health challenges he was already facing, he was diagnosed with hepatoblastoma cancer of the liver. Baby Jacob underwent surgery to remove the tumour, as well as several rounds of chemotherapy. Last summer, doctors pronounced him cancer free, and he was sent home with his happy parents.
The good news was not to last. Just before his first birthday, Courtney and Jeff learned that the cancer had returned. Not wanting to spoil their son’s birthday, they kept it a secret, and threw a wonderful party for family and friends. A few weeks later, they were told the cancer was aggressive and the tumour growing rapidly. Doctors said that Jacob’s best hope was a liver transplant, but they were unsure if he would be accepted into the transplant program, given that his cancer had relapsed and that he had other health issues. Then on January 6, they learned that he would be allowed a living donation, and that his mother, Courtney, is a match. Soon, she will be going into the hospital to give her sweet boy a part of her liver.
The road ahead will be long, with surgeries for Courtney and Jacob, and more chemo for Jacob. Because of the demands of caring for Jacob and, soon, Courtney, Jeff has had to leave his latest pipe-fitter job, which he had just secured in Ft. McMurray after being laid off last summer.
We are very fortunate to live in a country like Canada, where many health care costs are covered. Organizations like Kids with Cancer also do a terrific job of helping with all kinds of services. But couples like Courtney and Jeff still encounter many financial burdens that fall outside of government and non-profit agency parameters. Any donation you can make will help them get through these next months, until Jacob and Courtney have recovered, and Jeff is able to return to work.
Anyone who has met Jacob will be taken with his electric smile, which lights up a room. We are hoping that, in setting up this page and raising some funds, we can lift some of the worry from his parents' shoulders, so they can focus on making him well. Any assistance that you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Courtney and Jeff would be the last people to ask for help, but those of you familiar with their story will know that this amazing couple has been through a lot in their first two years of marriage. They have faced many uphill battles, which are far from over, and they need a little help from their friends.
A little over a year ago, on November 4, 2015, Courtney and Jeff welcomed their first born, Jacob, into the world. At birth, Jacob was diagnosed with a rare disorder called Simpson Golabi Behmel Syndrome. Those who wish to read more about this condition can visit the website: https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/simpson-golabi-behmel-syndrome. About 10 percent of people with Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome develop tumours in early childhood. Unfortunately, Jacob was one of them and, in addition to the health challenges he was already facing, he was diagnosed with hepatoblastoma cancer of the liver. Baby Jacob underwent surgery to remove the tumour, as well as several rounds of chemotherapy. Last summer, doctors pronounced him cancer free, and he was sent home with his happy parents.
The good news was not to last. Just before his first birthday, Courtney and Jeff learned that the cancer had returned. Not wanting to spoil their son’s birthday, they kept it a secret, and threw a wonderful party for family and friends. A few weeks later, they were told the cancer was aggressive and the tumour growing rapidly. Doctors said that Jacob’s best hope was a liver transplant, but they were unsure if he would be accepted into the transplant program, given that his cancer had relapsed and that he had other health issues. Then on January 6, they learned that he would be allowed a living donation, and that his mother, Courtney, is a match. Soon, she will be going into the hospital to give her sweet boy a part of her liver.
The road ahead will be long, with surgeries for Courtney and Jacob, and more chemo for Jacob. Because of the demands of caring for Jacob and, soon, Courtney, Jeff has had to leave his latest pipe-fitter job, which he had just secured in Ft. McMurray after being laid off last summer.
We are very fortunate to live in a country like Canada, where many health care costs are covered. Organizations like Kids with Cancer also do a terrific job of helping with all kinds of services. But couples like Courtney and Jeff still encounter many financial burdens that fall outside of government and non-profit agency parameters. Any donation you can make will help them get through these next months, until Jacob and Courtney have recovered, and Jeff is able to return to work.
Anyone who has met Jacob will be taken with his electric smile, which lights up a room. We are hoping that, in setting up this page and raising some funds, we can lift some of the worry from his parents' shoulders, so they can focus on making him well. Any assistance that you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Organizer
Josh Kohlruss
Organizer
Sherwood Park, AB
