Helping save a Fresno woman's life one scoop at a time
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A Fresno mother of five is battling a rare form of cancer. As the fight intensifies, Karyn Jakobs finds strength in her family and her faith.
Karyn Jakobs' spirit is uplifting.
"I have a choice," said Karyn. "I can climb in bed, curl up and just give up or I can choose to fight. I want to be an example for my kids."
The 37-year-old was diagnosed with stage three medullary thyroid carcinoma in 2010. She had a large mass removed but the cancer spread to her liver and lungs - lowering her survival rate.
Karyn explained, "Statistics show 40% over four years so I'm already 4 1/2 years so I'm kind of outside that statistic zone right now."
Eva, Sam and Livi Jakobs give thanks for every meal and every moment with mom. So do Ben and Zach. Her husband Jim is an executive producer at ABC30. This is a family of strong faith.
"For me in my belief I know that the battle's already been won," said Karyn. "No matter what happens I know where I'm going to be at the end of the day but it would be nice to be able to see my kids grow and be there for them."
Karyn's cancer is so rare it affects just 3% of all thyroid cancer patients. She says her doctor in Florida is just one of three specialists in the country. Her next checkup is scheduled for the end of August.
She added, "I've been to a few alternative clinics."
Jakobs plans to visit an alternative clinic in Mexico to undergo stem cell and oxygen treatment. She says she wants to exhaust all options for her family's sake.
Karyn's doctor told her if liver begins to fail she'll need to take what's called a targeted kinase inhibitor which could add 24 months to her life.
What it's supposed to do is it's supposed to go in and stop the tumors from growing for a time. The hope is that during that time a better treatment option or perhaps a cure will become available."
Friends and even strangers have helped the family raise money. Marble Slab Creamery at Champlain and Shepherd will donate a portion of its Tuesday sales to the family.
Tap or click to print the flyer
