Cure for Cade Update

As of April 7, 2026, this episode of Capital Chat follows the continuing journey of Cade Jobsis and his family as they navigate hope, uncertainty, and cutting-edge science in the fight against a rare disease.

After a powerful, Juneau community-driven fundraising effort raised $1.15 million to cover hospital and regulatory costs, Cade was selected for a Phase 3 clinical trial in Dallas—an important and final step before potential FDA approval. Now nearly five years old, Cade is preparing to receive an experimental gene therapy known as Melpida, designed to address SPG50, a rare and progressive neurodegenerative disorder he was diagnosed with two years ago.

In this episode, Cade’s mom, Emma Jobsis, shares what the past months have looked like—from traveling between Alaska and Texas, to undergoing extensive medical screenings, to the emotional reality of waiting for treatment day.