Brookfield community rallies around Elbow Room co-owner after rare diagnosis

BROOKFIELD, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A community is rallying around one of their own after a local bar and grill owner was diagnosed with a rare genetic disease.

Three years ago, Jake Dehne got a call from Robert Jude.

“Hey, we gotta buy this place. We gotta buy this place,” said Dehne.

A chance to own the Elbow Room in the place they grew up.

“Coming back here has been pretty awesome. To be involved in the community,” said Dehne. “Makes me proud to be a part of the community.”

Three weeks ago, Jude thought he had the flu.

“Unfortunately, he had to get rushed to the hospital. It turned out he had type 2 diabetes,” said Dehne.

Instead, Jude was diagnosed with HLH, a disease where abnormal blood cells can cause your liver and spleen to enlarge.

“So, he’s been in the ICU for a little over two weeks, and he just had a liver transplant last week and is slowly recovering,” said Dehne.

Now, Dehne says he’s doing what he can to help his partner and friend.

“My goal is to take the financial aspect off his burden and so we did the GoFundMe, and the support has been unbelievable,” said Dehne.

And he’s not the only one. Over the course of two weeks, more than $100,000 raised by community members.

“It’s good to see such good out there, you know,” said Dehne.

A long road to recovery, supported by every single well-wisher around him.

“You know, just whatever you can do to keep him in people’s thoughts,” said Dehne.

Dehne says even if you can’t donate to the GoFundMe, stop by the Elbow Room for a drink or meal to show your support.