Standing With Jake Through His Fight Against Cancer

Story

Jake’s Story:
About three months ago, Jake began experiencing back pain he thought was just a strained muscle. After countless tests, scans, and appointments, they learned the devastating news: Jake had a mass on his spine. He underwent major back surgery to remove the tumor, during which rods and screws were placed across four levels of his back. Biopsy results confirmed what no one ever wants to hear — the tumor contained cancer cells. Jake was diagnosed with ALL, a rare and aggressive combination of lymphoma and leukemia.

Only one week after surgery, Jake started an extremely intense chemotherapy regimen — some of the strongest and most toxic available — in hopes of fully curing him. Recently, complications from one of the chemo medications landed Jake in the ICU and critical care unit. Once stable, he will continue with the final treatment of his current introductory cycle, and likely face additional cycles and eventually a bone marrow transplant.

This journey has already tested Jake in every way imaginable, yet through it all, he continues to show incredible strength, positivity, and grace. Jake’s thoughtfulness, respect, and kindness toward every nurse, doctor, and person helping him have shown the type of person he is even in his hardest moments. He feels the prayers, he hears every message, and your support truly lifts him more than words can say.

How This Has Changed Their Lives:
Faith has stayed by Jake’s side every single night since he was admitted, never once leaving him alone. With Faith at the hospital full-time, the responsibility of caring for their two young kids has fallen to family members and close family friends.

Jake has been unable to work for over a month. With weeks of hospital stays, DoorDash meals have become a necessity, along with constant travel expenses, and mounting medical costs. Their daily life has been completely turned upside down — and the road ahead is still long.

During the bone marrow transplant section of this journey, they will need to live within 30 miles of the hospital in Denver for a couple of months in a short-term Airbnb or rental.

How Funds Will Be Used:
Funds will go directly to Faith and Jake toward medical bills, travel, meals, childcare, and living expenses as Jake continues treatment and recovery.

A Sincere Thank You!
Thank you for keeping Jake, Faith, and their family in your thoughts, prayers, and support. Many have asked how they can help — and with variables changing daily, this is the best form of help at this time. It’s not easy to ask for or receive financial assistance, but with bills piling up and many more expected in the months ahead, they are relying on their community now more than ever. It truly takes a village — and every act of kindness, message of encouragement, and donation means the world to them.

Other Ways to Help:
If you’d prefer to support the family through Venmo, Cash App, or another method — such as providing meals, sending cards, or other thoughtful gestures — please reach out to a family contact.

Please Note: because Jake is currently immunocompromised, flowers are not permitted in his hospital room and will unfortunately need to be discarded. However, cards and messages are deeply appreciated and continue to lift his spirits during this difficult time.

Organizers :

Co-organized
Hope Steele and Mariah Persun are organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Sara Faith Murphy.