Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a devastating brain infection caused by Naegleria fowleri a free-living amoeba found in freshwater. Early detection and treatment are critical, as a misdiagnosis always lead to a negative outcome.

The Jordan Smelski Foundation for Amoeba Awareness was established in memory of 11-year-old Jordan Smelski, who lost his life to PAM in 2014. Since then, we have worked to turn our loss into action by raising awareness, supporting early detection and treatment, advancing research, and equipping families and medical professionals with potentially life-saving information.

Every bid helps us continue this important work.

Raise awareness. Advance research. Save lives.

The Need for Awareness

Awareness of Naegleria fowleria and PAM remains critically important, not only among families, but within the medical community. Early symptoms can resemble other forms of meningitis, making early detection, testing, and access to appropriate treatment essential.

Since 2014, the Jordan Smelski foundation has worked tirelessly to turn awareness into action. We have hosted medical summits, supported rapid detection initiatives, funded critical research, and partnered with medical professionals and researchers to advanced earlier diagnosis and treatment. Most recently, the foundation awarded a $105,000 research grant to Purdue University supporting amoeba treatment and drug development research.

As 100% volunteer-lead organization with no paid staff, the funds, we raise directly support our mission of advancing awareness, early detection and treatment, education, research, community outreach.

Our Strategic Vision

Our vision is a future where PAM is recognized earlier, diagnosed faster, and treated with greater effectiveness. We are committed to strengthening collaboration between researchers, medical professionals, and communities while continuing to invest in promising research and advances in detection and treatment.

By expanding awareness and helping move science and medicine forward, we believe more families can have something Jordan did not have, a greater chance for early Diagnosis, effective treatment and survival.

Your Impact

Every bid is more than a contribution, it is an investment in hope, progress, and the possibility of saving lives.

Your generosity helps the Jordan Smelski Foundation continue its mission of advancing awareness, supporting earlier detection and treatment, funding promising research, and helping equip families and medical professionals with potentially lifesaving knowledge.

Behind every bid is an opportunity to make a difference. An opportunity to advance medical discoveries, improve understanding of this devastating infection, and give more families a fighting chance.

Jordan's life continues to inspire our mission, and your support helps carry his legacy forward.

Together, we can turn awareness into action, research into progress, and hope into lives saved.

Thank you for being part of Jordan's legacy.

Beyond the Fairway: A Silent Auction for Jordan

Raise awareness. Advance research. Save lives.