04/05/2026
Remembering Justyn Jenkins, 26.
Justyn's story from his family:
We never imagined that we would one day be telling our son’s story like this; but we share it with love, with purpose, and with hope that it reaches someone who needs it.
Our son, Justyn, was 26 years old. From the time he was just 5 years old, he lived and breathed lacrosse. For 13 years, he played with passion, discipline, and heart. He was strong, driven, and dedicated, never once showing signs that anything might be wrong.
To us, he was the picture of health and determination.
But when Justyn turned 18, things began to change.
He started experiencing extreme fatigue after workouts. What once energized him now left him drained. He would come home with severe pain and swelling in his arms, legs, hands, back, and feet. As parents, it was difficult to watch. We took him to doctor after doctor, searching for answers. Time and time again, we were told the same things: muscle strains, overuse, minor injuries. Nothing that explained the intensity or
persistence of what he was feeling.
Still, Justyn pushed forward.
In 2019, he made the decision to join the United States Navy. We were so proud of him. It felt like everything he had worked towards (his strength, his discipline, his character), was leading him exactly where he was meant to be.
But just two weeks into basic training, everything changed.
Justyn became severely ill. His creatine kinase (CK) levels were dangerously high! So high that he was immediately hospitalized. For two weeks, he remained under close medical care. It was there that Navy doctors finally gave a name to what he had been experiencing for years: rhabdomyolysis.
We cannot express enough how grateful we are that they recognized it.
While the diagnosis brought clarity, it also brought heartbreak. Justyn was honorably discharged, and with that came the crushing realization that his dream of serving in the armed forces was over. He struggled deeply during that time filled with sadness and
uncertainty. He questioned whether he would ever be able to live an active life again, whether sports and exercise were behind him forever.
But if there is one thing we want the world to know about Justyn, it’s this: he was resilient.
Justyn was kind, generous, empathetic, honest, and responsible. He cared deeply about others, and he faced his own challenges with a quiet strength that inspired everyone around him. Even in his lowest moments, he never gave up.
With the guidance of his primary care provider, Justyn began to rebuild his life. He learned that while rhabdomyolysis would always be something he had to manage, it did not have to define him. He followed strict guidelines, including the following: consistently hydrated, listening closely to his body, and stopping exercise at the first sign of symptoms.
The years that followed were not easy. He experienced spontaneous rhabdo episodes that tested his patience and strength. But little by little, he learned how to manage them. He adapted his diet, adjusted his routines and became deeply in tune with his body. And over time, he gained control. The episodes became less frequent and for shorter durations. He found a rhythm; a way to live fully while respecting his limits. We watched him grow not only stronger physically, but stronger in spirit.
He never let rhabdo take away who he was.
Justyn worked as an electrician apprentice performing duties to include installing wiring, lighting fixtures, and conduits. While working 40+ hours per week, he attended classes learning to read blueprints and problem-solving skills, so he could truly master the trade. Sadly, this physical work took a toll on his body and exacerbated his rhabdo. So Justyn made the decision to change his career path to one which did not put as much stress on his body. Until his very last day, Justyn was studying to take the exam to become a licensed insurance adjuster.
On April 8, 2025, our lives changed forever when Justyn was taken from us in a tragic car accident. There are no words to fully capture that loss. But even in our grief, we carry immense pride in the man he was and the journey he walked.
We share Justyn’s story for a reason.
We share it for those who are still searching for answers, like we once were.
We share it for those who feel discouraged or limited by a diagnosis.
We share it to help raise awareness, to encourage early detection, and to support continued research.
And most of all, we share it to remind you of this:
You may have rhabdomyolysis; but it does not define you.
Justyn’s life is a testament to that truth. His strength, his perseverance, and his heart continue to inspire us every day. We hope his story inspires you, too.
💙💙💙
https://therhabdofoundation.org/donate
https://gofund.me/3d833018e.
