The Koerner Family
Travel Assistance * Extended Stay
The Koerner Family from South Dakota has two of their three children diagnosed with Erythropoietic Protoporphyria: 10-year-old Noah and 6-year-old Asher. Parents Heather and Ryan have made significant efforts to protect their sons from sunlight, investing in umbrellas, tents, and various shade structures to provide Noah and Asher with the opportunity to enjoy a “normal” life in their small town.
In addition to sun exposure, Noah has had to regularly keep an eye on his liver, a complication related to his EPP. He underwent periodic lab tests and ultrasounds to track the size of his liver. Last year, Noah experienced elevated liver enzymes, prompting a referral to a liver specialist at Children’s Hospital of Colorado.
Following the guidance of a liver specialist, hematologist, and porphyria experts, Noah and the Koerner family arranged for an extensive medical procedure designed to reverse Noah's considerable liver damage and possibly avert the necessity for a liver transplant in the future.
The seriousness of Noah’s procedure necessitated that he stay in Denver for an extra 100 days for monitoring, and he would be residing at Brent’s Place after his discharge. The journey from South Dakota to Denver is about 400 miles each way, with few available flights. Consequently, Heather and Ryan would need to frequently alternate trips back and forth while also making an effort to support their other children at home.
After learning about Noah’s situation, Shadow Jumpers stepped in to cover 100% of the Koerner’s travel expenses to and from Denver while Noah was under observation. We also supplied Noah with the latest games and electronics to make his time away from home more enjoyable.
We are pleased to announce that Noah has returned to South Dakota following a successful observation period. He is expected to visit the Denver area every 1-2 months over the next year for routine check-ups. Shadow Jumpers will continue to cover these travel expenses while ensuring that Noah’s home life remains both comfortable and enjoyable.