Out there in the world is a young boy with cancer and he wants Christmas cards to celebrate his last ever Christmas in his short life.
The nine-year-old is your average kid with interests like Minecraft, and Legos. He is also a major "Star Wars" fan. According to his stepmother, Tara Artinyan he is an amazing photographer, singer, comedian and also has a beautiful love for animals especially penguins.
The young lad, Jacob Thompson, was diagnosed with stage four high-risk Neuroblastoma when he was five years old. Neuroblastoma is a type of cancer that forms in a certain type of nerve tissue.
It starts from one of the adrenal glands but can also develop in the neck, abdomen or spine. The cancer is usually discovered when the patient shows symptoms like bone pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, a fever or when a lump is found in the affected area. Treatment and outcomes depends on the risk group a person is in. Treatment may include observation, surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or stem cell transplants.
His parents, Michelle Simard and Roger Guay, stated that treatments so far have been unsuccessful and the rare cancer has spread to his hip
Will Jacob make it?
Doctors from Barbara Bush Children Hospital in Portland, Maine on October 11th told Jacob's family, that he has only one month to live.
The family decided to bring Christmas a little early since Jacob loves the holiday season and wants Christmas cards for his last Christmas. The family wants to show him that wishes do come true and that there are still a lot of good people who care, all around the world.
Jacob's room has been decorated with Christmas trees, lights, fake snow and of course, he has also had a little friendly visit from Santa Claus himself.
How can you support him?
Like any nine-year old, he demanded presents and cards from his family and friends. He also added that he wants cards from people across the world who feel inspired to reach out.
The good news is that he has already received about 100 cards from people all over the world, just five days after the announcement was made.
Jacob's father, Roger Guay told CNN, " He got some cards from Halloween, and when he opened it up and saw them it was like getting a gift. He read to us and his nose scrunched, because he was excited to see what people had to say and it just brightened his day."
His family said that the toys that were sent to Jacob will be shared with other children who are at the Barbara Bush Hospital at Maine Medical Center.
Cards can be sent to Jacob at this address:
Jacob Thompson
c/o Medical Center
22 Bramhall Street
Portland, ME 04102
USA
