Aug 17, 2026
By Anastasia Penchi
COON VALLEY, Wis. — A Coon Valley nurse who has spent the last 30 years caring for others is now battling a rare condition that has left her paralyzed and in need of care herself.
Cammie Jaekel, a clinical nurse specialist with Mayo Clinic Health System, was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome in April 2026. What began as tingling in her limbs progressed to full-body paralysis and intubation before she could be transferred to a specialty hospital in Madison to begin rehabilitation, said Sam Jaekel, a cousin and best friend of Cammie’s husband, Tom.
Sam and his wife, Jennie Jaekel, are among a group of people organizing a benefit for Cammie and her family at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at the American Legion in Coon Valley. Organizers are contacting local businesses and seeking donations. A meal and silent auction are planned.
Donations can be made by contacting Jennie Jaekel at (608) 317-7123 or by emailing CammiesJourney@gmail.com.
The cause of Guillain-Barré syndrome is unknown, according to Mayo Clinic, but about two-thirds of people who develop the condition experience symptoms of an infection in the weeks beforehand. There is no known cure, though treatment can ease symptoms and speed recovery. Most people recover, but the process can take years.
The family has medical insurance, but Sam said the policy limits Cammie’s physical therapy coverage to $3,000 per year, far below what she needs. Although Cammie is making progress and is now breathing and eating on her own, her mobility remains limited, and she requires five hours of physical therapy each day.
Sam described Cammie as tough and mentally “sharp as a tack,” but said she is currently “a prisoner in her own body.”
Tom and Cammie are “very generous people,” Sam said. For the past 10 years, they have hosted La Crosse Loggers baseball players, providing them with housing, transportation and meals during the season. The Loggers held a collection during a game this summer and raised $3,000 for Cammie in one night, Sam said.
“A lot of people know them,” he added.
In 2013, Cammie received The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses from the DAISY Foundation, an international organization that recognizes nurses who go above and beyond in patient care. According to the foundation, she was honored for helping a stranded out-of-town family obtain insulin during a blizzard.
Sam said he and his wife have never organized a fundraiser before, but they and others knew they wanted to do something to help. The American Legion offers a park where children can play during the event and provides ample parking.
“It’s just the right thing to do,” he said.
Anastasia Penchi is veteran writer who spent 13 years as a newspaper journalist and now works as a freelance writer. You may have seen her work in Coulee Region Women’s magazine, the Great Rivers Road blog and Explore La Crosse. Her passions are helping people in poverty and trying to save traditional journalism. She resides in Genoa and is a board member with Couleecap Inc. She can be reached at callmeloislane@hotmail.com.
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