Barbara “Bobbi” Jacobson, Richfield, Minnesota
Bobbi Jacobsen surrounded by members of her family
If our actions define us, then many people would label Barbara “Bobbi” and Chester Jacobsen “caring,” and “brave” due to their efforts in battling and spreading awareness of ALS. Doctors diagnosed Bobbi Jacobsen with ALS in December 1996. Nevertheless, the disease strengthened the couple’s resolve to fight it and work with The ALS Association’s Minnesota/North Dakota/South Dakota Chapter to spread awareness in their community.
For its annual “ALS Across America” campaign during May, which is ALS Awareness Month, the chapter is honoring the Jacobsens.
“As Bobbi and Chester have faced adversity, they have also charged forward in helping others living with ALS,” said the chapter’s Care Services Coordinator Lisa Kronk, R.N. “Bobbi has channeled her strength and efforts to learn about the disease, to heighten public awareness of ALS, and to be on the forefront for ALS advocacy.” The disease has affected Jacobsen’s speech and ability to walk.
Since her diagnosis more than 15 years ago, Jacobsen, 62, has collaborated with the chapter and others who use its resources. Both she and Chester became active in patient and caregiver support groups in Minneapolis, where they have served as valued resources to others in the ALS community. In addition, they have participated in the chapter’s Strike Out ALS baseball campaign, the ALS Symposium, “Sharing the Journey,” and its annual Walk to Defeat ALSŪ in Minneapolis.
Bobbi with her grandchildren
For several years, Jacobsen’s Walk team “Bobbi’s Buddies” brought in the most money for a Walk team in Minneapolis. The Walk raises money for research and local care services to benefit those living with the disease. The couple have assisted other ALS families by donating durable medical equipment to the chapter’s loan closet and raising money for its respite program through embarking on a five-state, 2,700 mile journey in 2001. The chapter honored Jacobsen for these and other activities in 2000 by presenting her with its highest honor, the “Norton Sing Award.”
Others have taken note of Chester’s endeavors in fighting ALS. Prior to his retirement as an air traffic controller, the Federal Aviation Administration honored him with the “Civil Servant of the Year Award” in 2005. The Federal Executive Board in Minnesota acknowledged Chester’s dedication to “improving the living conditions, finding a cure, and increasing community awareness for those afflicted with ALS” with this honor.
“Bobbi and Chester’s efforts have been a source of inspiration for the community and for all of our chapter staff,” said chapter Executive Director Sue Spalding. The couple, along with members from their immediate family, has traveled with chapter staff to the annual National ALS Advocacy Day and Public Policy Conference in the nation’s capital. Jacobsen’s daughter, Erin Fitzgerald Wendorf, went with them in 2001, 2007, 2008 and 2010 and a young grandson Tyler Bah name took the trip with the Jacobsens in 2007.
According to Kronk, Chester plans to attend the national conference with chapter staff and volunteers in D.C, May 13-15 this year.
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