06/11/2026
The Kind of Love That Changes Lives: Our Iowa Family
Many of you have heard us speak about the incredible Hermstad family from Iowa. Jeff and Lori are the kind of people whose story stays with you long after you hear it — a story marked by heartbreak, courage, and a love that continues to ripple outward in ways only God Himself could orchestrate.
Jeff and Lori lost their two beautiful twin girls to the same dreadful monster Jacob battles today — ALS, specifically the P525L gene mutation. Their journey has been steeped in unimaginable grief, yet somehow, they have chosen to turn that grief into compassion, connection, and purpose. And because of that choice, our lives — and Jacob’s life — are forever changed.
A Friendship Born from Shared Pain
From the very beginning of Jacob’s diagnosis, the Hermstads reached out to us. They didn’t know us. They didn’t owe us anything. But they knew our pain, and they stepped into our lives with open arms.
They have stood in our corner ever since — cheering, praying, supporting, and even driving all the way from Iowa to be here for Jacob’s Pioneer Award presentation in April. That’s who they are. That’s the kind of love they carry.
Jaci’s Legacy Lives On
Many people don’t realize that the clinical trial drug Jacifusion — the very drug keeping Jacob with us today — was named in honor of their precious daughter, Jaci. She bravely donated her own body so a drug that had never been tested on a human being could be tried.
Because of her sacrifice, Jacob is still here. There is no greater gift.
A Package on the Porch
This morning, a package arrived on our doorstep. When Barb opened it, we found the most beautiful, custom-made treasures from our Iowa family.
Inside were two handcrafted crosses — one for Barb and one for me — each with Jacob’s actual signature engraved on the back. (How Lori managed to pull that off… well, she is sneaky sneaky!)
And then there was the belt buckle.
Oh my Lord… the craftsmanship, the detail, the love poured into it. Anyone who knows Jacob knows how much he loves his cowboy bling. Boots and buckles were his everyday look before ALS tried to slow him down. This buckle wasn’t just a gift — it was a reminder of who he is, and who he has always been.
The Real Gift
But here’s the truth: The real gift isn’t the crosses or the buckle.
It’s Jeff and Lori themselves.
They are two of the most remarkable people God ever placed on this earth. Their strength, their compassion, their generosity, and their unwavering love have become part of our family’s story. They have walked through the darkest valley imaginable, yet they continue to shine light into the lives of others.
We will treasure their friendship all the days of our lives.
Love Is Stronger
God continues to weave people into Jacob’s journey who remind us that love is stronger than ALS, stronger than grief, stronger than fear, stronger than anything this world can throw at us.
And the Hermstads are living proof.
Their daughters’ legacy lives on — not only in the science that is saving Jacob’s life, but in the love they pour into others, day after day, mile after mile, heart to heart.
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