JETHRO

Jethro Wilder Benedict Doberstein was born November 9th, 2016 to Ryan and Kaitlyn Doberstein. Shortly after birth, Mom & Dad noticed some signs that Jethro was not well. The hospital where he was born determined he had a bowel obstruction and sent him to Children’s hospital in Minneapolis, MN. Within 48 hours and a couple procedures later, Jethro was diagnosed with Hirschsprung’s Disease (rare and affects the colon). No one in the family had ever heard of this disease. Ryan and Kaitlyn were told Jethro would need a colostomy for a few months, and then his surgeon would be able to complete what is called a pull through procedure, remove the diseased part of the colon, and reverse the colostomy. They were told Jethro would go on to live a normal life with few complications. Jethro had the pull through procedure when he was four months old. After the pull through procedure began the complications. Jethro suffered from Hirschsprung’s related enterocolitis countless times and was hospitalized every time. One time being so sick he went into septic shock and was on life support for 3 days. Jethro would struggle with this disease until he was around four and a half years old. As Jethro got older, the disease became more manageable and he was able to stay healthy for some time.

Jethro loved superheroes. He started out as a Batman fan, but he later realized Spiderman was the best superhero and loved everything Spiderman. He also loved Dinosaurs, Godzilla, Power Rangers, and Sonic. Jethro loved collecting Funko Pops with his Dad, it had turned into a hobby of theirs and they enjoyed spending weekends at “Pop Swaps”. Jethro was a beautiful, loving, intelligent boy who touched the hearts of many and was such a light in this world. Jethro passed away unexpectedly April 28, 2022 at home at the age of 5 years, 5 months and 19 days. Just hours after falling ill with Norovirus. His death certificate states he died from “complications of Norovirus infection” with Hirschsprung’s Disease listed as “other contributing conditions.” It is important to the Doberstein family to raise money for Hirschsprung’s Disease, they are hopeful a cure will be found someday.