Nine-year-old Jacob Thompson has stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma, and according to doctors, likely only a few weeks to live. As one of his last requests, Jacob wants to celebrate his “last Christmas” early, and he and his parents are asking anyone inclined to help this young boy’s wish come true to send some cheer Jacob’s way through Christmas cards.
Jacob was diagnosed with neuroblastoma — a type of cancer that most often occurs in infants and children and causes cancer in nerve cells to spread rapidly to various parts of the body — at age 5, and after numerous treatments, was admitted to Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital on October 11, at which time doctors told his mother to expect his passing to come within the month.
Neuroblastoma is the most common form of childhood cancer, affecting approximately 6 percent of children with cancer. Every year, about 700 children are diagnosed with neuroblastoma, typically around age 1 or 2, but sometimes as early as in the womb.
According to the American Cancer Society, 5-year survival rates for children diagnosed with neuroblastoma vary depending on risk, from 95 percent survival rate for children diagnosed with low-risk neuroblastoma to only 40 percent survival rate for those diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma, the same type of cancer Jacob has. While many children survive for longer than 5 years and are even cured, the disease is sadly a deadly one.
In order to bring Jacob’s love of Christmas alive one last time, the family plans to celebrate with him next weekend, turning his hospital room into a Christmas wonderland. Family and friends are already sending cards to Jacob, but according to his mother, Jacob could use all the love people can send: “Jacob loves the holiday season, and we want him to know that Christmas wishes come true and that there are good people who care all around the world.”
If you’re in the mood to spread some kindness and love to a little boy and family in need, you can send cards to this address:
Jacob Thompson
C/O Maine Medical Center
22 Bramhall StÂ
Portland, ME 04102
And if you’re feeling even more generous, you can read about Jacob’s story and donate to his funeral expenses at the family’s GoFundMe page.
I know what I’ll be doing with my boys tonight: hand-crafting love for someone who needs and deserves it. Won’t you join us?