Main fundraiser photo

Bianca & Jacob's Journey: Hydrodcephalus, Epilepsy, Thyroid

Donation protected
Hello! Hello!

I’m Bianca Janine Pettis. For 21 years, my husband and creative partner, Jacob Aaron Roske, and I have been the duo behind Beatrix*Jar.

We’re raising $21,000 to cover our immediate living expenses and relaunch Beatrix*Jar, with a focus on:

  • Covering rent and bills as we navigate recovery.
  • Creating workshops for patients and caregivers inspired by our journey.
  • Releasing new music that reflects our resilience and growth.
  • New Creative Projects

_________________________


BEATRIX*JAR - BIANCA AND JACOB

We’ve built a life together for the past 21 years, creating art and music, but the past few years have contained many moments that have been hard to navigate.

In 2014, Jacob was diagnosed with Hydrocephalus, a neurological condition caused by a benign tumor in his hypothalamus blocking the flow of brain fluid. He had to undergo an emergency medical surgery to install a VP shunt to reroute fluid from his brain to his belly.




In March 2023, Jacob faced a second brain surgery to replace his malfunctioning shunt with a new magnetic one. The surgery went well, but the aftermath has been complex. Jacob felt brain fog most days, and about six months later, he started experiencing seizures - which we learned were a result of scar tissue from his surgery. He was diagnosed with epilepsy.


In November late 2023, Jacob had a seizure while driving alone - he totaled our car and hit two other vehicles. Thankfully, everyone was okay, and Jacob got to the Emergency Room that morning. We're still dealing with a lawsuit from the other drivers. This was terrifying.




______________________________
BIANCA - CREATIVE COLLABORATOR / CAREGIVER


As his wife, creative partner, and caregiver, I’ve been managing the logistics of his health and medical team and building a support team for his needs. Jacob has been approved for state disability, but we're awaiting SSI approval.

As Jacob's caregiver - I lost track of my health until I was recently diagnosed with Hyperparathyroidism caused by a tumor on my thyroid pulling calcium from my bones and pushing it into my bloodstream. I’m scheduled for surgery next year. I also recently learned I have ADHD!




Despite these challenges, we’re determined to rebuild. Jacob and I have been a creative duo since we first met, and we don't plan to stop soon. In many ways, these challenges have made us more committed to our path and legacy.

(Bianca and Jacob in 2004)
_________________________________________

HOW YOU CAN HELP

We’re raising $21,000 to cover our immediate living expenses and relaunch Beatrix*Jar, with a focus on:

  • Covering rent and bills as we navigate recovery.
  • Creating workshops for patients and caregivers inspired by our journey.
  • Releasing new music that reflects our resilience and growth.
  • New Creative Projects

------------------------------------

Your Support Means the World to Us! Donate Today! Your generosity fuels our hope and helps us rebuild our future.

With gratitude,
Bianca & Jacob
Donate

Donations 

  • Wayne Sayres
    • $50
    • 18 hrs
  • Anonymous
    • $100 (Offline)
    • 1 d
  • Jeremy Ylvisaker
    • $50
    • 2 d
  • Laura Joseph
    • $50
    • 3 d
  • Colleen Sheehy
    • $25
    • 3 d
Donate

Fundraising team: Fundraiser Team (1)

Bianca Janine Pettis
Organizer
Minneapolis, MN
Jacob Roske
Team member

Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help

  • Easy

    Donate quickly and easily

  • Powerful

    Send help right to the people and causes you care about

  • Trusted

    Your donation is protected by the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee