Jay’s Story

Site created on October 24, 2020

This site was created on behalf of Jay Walljasper, Julie Ristau, and Soren Walljasper to convey their heartfelt gratitude for your concern for Jay, who was diagnosed with kidney cancer in mid-September.

In the first weeks after his diagnosis, Jay preferred to keep this news fairly private. There were so many unknowns—and so many tests, appointments, and stressful wranglings with insurance companies—that it felt premature and daunting to convey the story of what he was going through. 

Here is the rough outline:
Jay had been as active as ever this year (at least, as far as the pandemic would allow). In late August, he noticed some changes in his weight and his energy level. As Julie put it, "The speed at which this has evolved is stunning. One week he was riding his bike, walking 20k steps a day, and swimming at Lake Harriet. The next week we learned he has cancer.”

Jay is currently being treated with the best Western medicine has to offer as well wholistic complementary care. His condition is complex, and the plan is evolving as his medical team—primarily at Hennepin Healthcare in partnership with Mayo Clinic—seeks the right approach. 

As you know, Jay is a remarkable man in both body and spirit. As he walks this path, with the extraordinary love and support of Julie and Soren, all three will need your love, healing energy, prayers, and aid.

Please use this site to stay abreast of important developments in Jay’s story and to learn how best to support the family. Jay asks for your understanding, as his major symptom right now is extreme fatigue and he needs to conserve his energy. It is a gift to have a loving, supportive community in times like these.

Newest Update

Bench Dedication

Journal entry by Kristi Anderson —

Dear friends and family of Jay, Julie, and Soren,

With Julie and Soren’s help, a bench on the south side of the Lyndale Park Rose Garden has been selected to be dedicated to Jay. It sits between the two fountains, in the grove of crab apple trees just now coming into bloom. The bench will be refurbished and affixed with a plaque with an inscription honoring Jay.

Please help us remember how much Jay enjoyed this area with his family and friends, and on his many solitary bike rides and strolls. He had an impact on all of our lives and on this city, and he is deeply missed.

The Minneapolis Park Board fee is $2500 for 10 years, $4000 for 20 years. Donations can be sent to Lori Olson via mail or Venmo.

Lori Olson
4100 Garfield Ave S
Minneapolis,MN  55409

Venmo: @Lori-Olson-16 (Profile picture is a white dog.) You'll be asked for the last four digits of Lori's phone number, 2205, to complete the transfer.

We're not sure how many people see the messages posted here now, so please share this and future updates with anyone you think would want to have the information.

Thank you.

Read More of the journal titled "Bench Dedication"
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