Causes

Maine boy with cancer who wished for cards passes away

Jacob Thompson who had wished for an early Christmas celebration with cards, has passed away.

His family issued a statement through social media. Here is that statement:

Published

7 years ago

November 20, 2017

Ken Paiva

Jacob Thompson who had wished for an early Christmas celebration with cards, has passed away.

His family issued a statement through social media. Here is that statement:

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Jacob’s passing with you. On Sunday, November 19th, 2017, at just 9 years old, Jacob passed away peacefully following his 4 year battle with neuroblastoma. Neuroblastoma is a rare cancer that most commonly affects children ages five or younger, and it accounts for 7 out of 10 childhood cancers. Every year, 800 new children are diagnosed with neuroblastoma in the United States alone. It is tragic, and more research and resources are needed to continue fighting for a cure.

We hope that Jacob’s story and the enormous outpouring of support from around the world will have a lasting impact on raising awareness for this disease. We hope that donations will be made, and a cure will be discovered as a result.

Each and every person who sent Jacob a Christmas card, a gift, a Facebook message or video, or a prayer made a difference in the final days of his life. You brought Jacob joy, and you brought us all optimism for the future. Thank you for taking the time, and taking an interest in our sweet boy’s journey. Sadly, there are many others like him that we hope you will continue to help.

We owe a deep gratitude to the people and organizations who have helped us along the way, including the staff at the The Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital at Maine Medical Center and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

To make a donation in Jacob’s honor, please do so at Operation Gratitude, to a penguin rescue group, or pay it forward in your community. Do something for others, donate blood and platelets, or use your talents to bring shelter, nourishment or joy to those in need in honor of Jacob’s memory.

And most importantly, always remember to #LiveLikeAPenguin for Jacob.