At 16 years old, Jameson has always measured time by seasons: Golf season with his older brother, summer shifts at the city pool and winter lifeguarding at the YMCA. Growing up in Mystic, Iowa, and attending school in Centerville, Jameson spent his days practicing and competing in golf and baseball.
But in early 2026, Jameson faced a new competition.
In the middle of the night, Jameson called out to his parents from his bedroom, overcome with severe stomach pain. His parents suspected appendicitis and headed to the ER that morning, hoping to find a solution to ease his pain. However, a CT-scan revealed Jameson instead had a kidney stone with high liver enzyme levels and low hemoglobin levels.
Doctors quickly transferred Jameson to MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center for further care. That same night, he was admitted to the pediatric unit where his condition continued to shift.
“They rechecked his liver enzymes, and it just snowballed from there,” his mom, Jamie, recalled.
Jameson spent two weeks at MercyOne undergoing extensive testing and procedures. Despite the care and attention, answers didn’t come right away. When he was finally discharged, the family returned home still unsure of what was ahead.
Soon after, test results revealed the first pieces of the puzzle: Jameson had two stomach ulcers and another in his small intestine. His spleen and other organs were enlarged, his joints ached constantly, and even basic movement became difficult.
For a teen who thrived on activity, he missed his daily routine immensely.
“He couldn’t even swing a golf club,” Jamie said. “He was in so much pain.”
In the middle of February, Jameson was diagnosed with Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) along with Ulcerative colitis (UC). PSC is a chronic condition that affects the bile ducts and liver, and UC is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes long-lasting inflammation and ulcers in the large intestine.
At one point, Jameson developed a serious stomach infection and was readmitted to MercyOne for another five days. Despite the physical toll, the care he received stood out.
“The nurses there are so amazing. They’ve turned into our little family,” she said. “Every nurse we saw was always in such a good mood, joking with Jameson and finding ways to make his stay more comfortable. They went above and beyond to keep his mind off everything.”
That compassion extended beyond medical care. After his first treatment, the family was connected with MercyOne’s Little Wishes program, a non-profit program that fulfills wishes for pediatric patients during their stay. Jameson received a pair of Birkenstocks and a new golf club. The small gifts carried big meaning during a difficult time.
“It meant a lot,” Jamie said.
The family also found comfort in the Ronald McDonald House at MercyOne, which helped ease the burden of extended hospital stays.
“It was so nice to be able to wash our clothes and not have to buy new things,” she said. “It took one more worry off our plate.”
Jameson was referred to the Mayo Clinic, where specialists frequently treat patients with PSC and IBD. Even with expert guidance, adjusting to a new reality has taken time.
Now, Jameson travels to Des Moines every six weeks for infusion treatments. While essential, the treatments take a toll on his body, and he often has to miss school afterward due to severe joint pain.
He has also had to make significant lifestyle changes, including a strict diet, avoiding preservatives to not overexert his liver.
Through it all, Jameson hasn’t faced his battle alone.
His siblings have rallied around him, offering encouragement and support. His community has also stepped in with church members bringing meals, friends lifting his spirits, and loved ones surrounding the family with care.
“It has been the roughest time of my life,” Jamie said. “But we’ve had so many people supporting us.”
Jameson’s journey is far from over. Managing PSC and IBD will require ongoing care, resilience and adaptation. But even in the face of uncertainty, Jameson’s family is grounded in hope.
Though he may not be spending as much time on the golf course right now, Jameson continues to show the determination of a true competitor, facing each challenge with courage, supported by a team that extends far beyond the fairway
