Jacob is a true beam of light and everyone that meets him, never leaves a stranger. His blond hair, blue eyes, infectious smile, laugh and lovable personality could stop the rockettes in mid kick line. He is often referred as a ladies man but truly loves everyone. In his young life, he's been exposed to soo many doctors and health professionals that he's not shy of meeting anyone. Jacob is often requested to help out with awareness and fundraising events for the local childrens hospital, tv stations, radiothons and even for the local Make-A-Wish chapter. There is always a smile on everyone's face while he is around. We often say hes an old soul in a young body. Even his first two trips to the dentist office, he jumped right in the chair and let them clean and take x-rays of his teeth without any hesitation or fear and looks forward to going back.
Other than having to listen to mom and dad and obey their rules, there is not too much that he doesn't like. He loves to have conversations, sing, play trains, soccer, read books, make new friends, go to school, bowling, ride bikes, golf, swim, watch cartoons (mainly go deigo go) and probably one of his most exciting activities is watching and cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers, along with mom and dad, as they play football either on TV or being at a game. Jacob had the opportunity to meet Thomas the Train in Strassburg PA for his Make-A-Wish. After Jacob got off treatment, we all looked forward to his second first haircut and like his very first one, we saved a snipet of hair. More importantly, we love and look forward to each day with him and spending as much time with him as possible. We are big advocates in the fight against childhood cancer and we are happy to announce that Jacob's story prompted us to start up the Pediatric Proton Foundation to help with his and many others about to and still fighting cancer.
In Jacob's fight against childhood cancer and after a year long chemo treatment, Jacob spent almost 8 years wearing custom back braces for scoliosis and kyphosis. At age 13 he underwent spinal fusion surgery and unfortunately, 5 months later his rods broke. Devastated and heartbroken for mom and dad, Jacob, the true champion he is underwent another spinal fusion surgery to repair and replace the rods. Wanting to be as normal as possible, Jacob did not want to use the 501 plan that was in place for him at school. In spring of 2023, Jacob graduated high school with honors. Jacob was accepted to Coastal Carolina University in South Carolina majoring in Marine Biology. Jacob just finished his freshman year at CCU and achieved the Dean's List is first semester. Jacob will be turning 19 this June, 2024
