With a Little Help from My Friends: Support Jacob Darling

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Dear friends and family,

We are reaching out to support our son and friend, Jacob Darling, who has been battling two rare and life-changing diseases over the past year. Despite his determination, Jacob is facing significant medical and financial challenges, and we’re asking for your help.

Jacob’s Journey

For nearly a year, Jacob endured debilitating symptoms and an arduous search for a diagnosis. Without health insurance, he faced extensive medical testing, lab work, and consultations. In the summer, he was diagnosed with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), a life-threatening autoimmune disease that damages blood vessels in organs like the lungs, kidneys, and skin

Shortly after starting immunosuppressant therapy, an MRI revealed a pituitary adenoma, causing pituitary acromegaly, which results in abnormal growth and other severe complications.

What’s Next

Jacob has completed infusion therapy for GPA and is recovering his immune system. However, a recent hospitalization revealed a blood clot in his heart and a small stroke. His next battle involves removing the pituitary tumor through brain surgery, followed by radiation therapy.

Unfortunately, these diseases have no cure, and Jacob will require lifelong medical management.

Why We’re Asking for Help

Jacob faced nearly a year of uninsured medical expenses, including treatments, diagnostics, and procedures. Though he recently secured insurance, it’s a high-deductible plan, and he still faces substantial financial strain as he prepares for brain surgery and recovery.

How Your Support Helps

Your donation will directly support Jacob by:

A Note from Jacob:

“This has been the hardest time of my life, but I’m so grateful for the friends and family who’ve supported me. I was hesitant about this fundraiser, but I truly need help to keep fighting these diseases. I’ll keep everyone updated—thank you for your love and support.”

Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference. If you can’t donate, sharing this campaign means the world to us.

Thank you for your generosity and kindness.

With gratitude,

Michael Darling, Jakob Meils, and Tucker Eads

UPDATE – Captain's Log – January 13, 2025

Ahoy, crew! It’s your fearless captain here, fresh out of the hospital brig after a nearly two-week stint that began on Christmas night. What started as a routine mission to quell acromegaly headaches spiraled into a chaotic adventure. Along the way, we battled strokes, heart failure, and a rebellious tumor threatening to mutiny my optic nerve. Fear not, though—this captain now sports a pirate-worthy eye patch, and let me tell you, I’m pulling it off with style.

The journey continues with a skilled medical crew steering the ship. And while the seas are stormy, this ship refuses to sink.

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On a Serious Note

While I was in the hospital, I suffered two strokes. These weren’t random—they were caused by a blood clot in my heart, which I’ve learned is a complication of my newly diagnosed congestive heart failure (CHF). This diagnosis came as a complete surprise. Additionally, the MRI revealed that my pituitary tumor has grown significantly. It’s now pressing on my optic nerve, which has caused double vision and palsy of the 6th cranial nerve.

The immediate focus is on stabilizing my heart and resolving the blood clot. After that, in the words of Arnold Schwarzenegger, “We’re going to get the tumor OUT.” For now, I’m staying at my parents’ house, resting and recovering. I’m on a daunting number of medications to manage my heart, lungs, and everything else in rebellion.

This has been a lot to face, but I’m holding on to the plan and the incredible support of my medical team—and all of you. Thank you for being here for me. Your encouragement and kindness mean the world.

Wishing You Calm Seas,

Captain Jacob Darling

Captain’s Log 2B: To Be Continued.