For Oregonian Steffenie Jenkins and her family, life changed forever when her 21-year-old son, Jacob, was diagnosed with bronchiolitis obliterans, a rare and devastating lung disease. The condition causes irreversible scarring in the lungs, making it harder and harder for Jacob to breathe.
After months of testing, biopsies, and uncertainty, Jacob finally has a diagnosis — but the road ahead is long and difficult. His doctors at the Mayo Clinic have determined that he is critically ill and must begin the evaluation process for a life-saving lung transplant.
A Race Against Time
Jacob has just started a three-week trial of a combination of medications to see if they can bring him some relief. At the same time, Mayo specialists have scheduled an intensive series of tests in gastroenterology, neurology, genetics, immunology, and infectious disease. Each appointment means more travel, longer hospital stays, and greater financial strain for Jacob’s family.
The expenses are overwhelming:
- Frequent travel between home and the Mayo Clinic in Arizona
- Extended hospital stays and specialized procedures
- Life-saving medications and long-term treatment
- Housing, food, and countless unexpected costs
Despite the challenges, Jacob continues to fight with courage. At just 21 years old, he should be focused on building his future — not battling a disease most people have never even heard of. His family is determined to give him the best chance at life, but they cannot do it alone.
A Mother’s Update
Here at That Oregon Life, we’ve been speaking directly with Jacob’s mother, who follows our page and reached out personally to us with an update on her son’s fight. She shared this heartfelt note:
“Hi there 💛, I just wanted to follow up and thank you again for saying you’d help share Jacob’s story. Jacob’s doctors at Mayo now say he needs gastro testing, neurology testing, and more upcoming visits with genetics, immunology, and infectious disease. With his rapid decline and being called critically ill, we can’t waste time. If you’re still able to share his GoFundMe, it would mean the world to us. Even one post could reach people who might help us cover the travel and care costs so we can keep Jacob moving forward. Thank you again for your kindness and for lifting us up during this fight.”
Her words remind us that this isn’t just a medical battle — it’s a fight for time, resources, and hope.
How You Can Help
Jacob’s family has set up a GoFundMe fundraiser to help cover the growing expenses of his care. What started as support for his initial lung biopsy and first trip to Mayo has now become a much bigger effort — one that will carry Jacob through the transplant process and beyond.
Even the smallest donations make a difference. As Jacob’s mother shared: “Even $5 helps lighten the load. When combined with others, it quickly adds up and helps us get Jacob where he needs to be.”
Just as important as donations are prayers and shares. Every time Jacob’s story is shared, it reaches someone new who might be able to help.
Standing With Jacob
This is a critical time. Jacob’s condition is progressing quickly, and his doctors stress that there is no time to waste. Yet through it all, the family remains deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing with Jacob and giving him hope,” says Steffenie.
👉 Click here to support Jacob’s GoFundMe and follow his journey.
