In fall of 2024 Jeff noticed his fingers growing white and swollen when exposed to the cold. A strange spot had appeared on his fingertip. Jeff eventually sought medical advice and was diagnosed with Raynaud's Syndrome, an autoimmune disorder that leads to thickening skin and restricted blood flow to his fingers and toes, in spring of 2025.

Eventually, doctor's questions led to a realization that Jeff was becoming short of breath from activities such as playing with the kids. Jeff was referred to rheumatology. By fall of 2025 he was diagnosed with not just Raynaud's but also mixed connective tissue disease. His autoimmune system was attacking his lungs, and his pulmonologist diagnosed him with interstitial lung disease. Because of the severity of his lung disease, he was recommended to Mayo Clinic at Rochester, MN to be assessed for a lung transplant.

Jeff spent nine days at Rochester in February 2026 where he underwent multiple tests to assess his body for a lung transplant. Thankfully, Jeff's case was "deferred," meaning he was still too healthy for a lung transplant at this time. Instead, he was also able to meet with additional rheumatologist and pulmonologist while at Mayo in effort to find what could further help slow his disease. The new rheumatologist determined Jeff's autoimmune disease was not mixed connective tissue disease, but systemic scleroderma, which attacks the lungs causing it to scar, and confirmed interstitial lung disease. Once lungs are scarred, they cannot be healed, so doctors are hoping to slow down any more damage to his lungs. His medications have now been adjusted and new medications added: one to fight his overactive immune system and one to slow the scarring of his lungs.

Jeff's diagnosis will be a lifelong battle, with ongoing appointments between his rheumatology and pulmonary teams in Fargo and in Rochester. Mayo clinic has requested he follow up with them every three months to monitor for decreased lung function or growth of scarring.

We are seeking financial help to cover Jeff's ongoing medical bills. We are seeking support in covering the cost of his lung assessment in Rochester as well as his ongoing appointments as he returns to Rochester every three months to see his specialists and to monitor his lung function with the transplant team. Financial support will cover medical bills from his appointments, travel, lodging, and loss of pay as our sick leaves have run low.

We give our heartfelt thanks for any little bit of love and support,

The Shypkowskis

Jeff, Laura, Liara (5) and Jacob (3)