Meet Jakob: 2019 Family Advocacy Day Champion
Jakob is participating at 2019 Speak Now for Kids Family Advocacy Day from June 25-26 in Washington, D.C. During the event, Jakob will share information about his health journey and the importance of children’s health care with members of Congress. Below is his story.
Looking at Jakob now, you would never know that this little guy has spent majority of his life in the hospital. This 4-year-old warrior has undergone countless surgeries and seen hundreds of doctors, but he still somehow manages to smile and fist bump everyone he meets!
Jakob was diagnosed with an extremely rare genetic disease called microvillus inclusion disease—essentially, his intestines fail to absorb nutrients. At 2-days-old, Jakob failed to thrive. He would not have survived if his parents hadn’t brought him to the hospital in time. Jakob has gone from an extremely sick baby to a vibrant active boy thanks to the help of C.S. Mott’s Children’s Hospital.
Jakob is the epitome of a tough guy, and he will even show you his muscles to prove it! This fighter wants everyone to know that even though he is little and has to be “hooked up” to an IV to receive food, he’s just like every other boy out there.
Join us in welcoming Jakob to 2019 Family Advocacy Day!
Marsha Maxey commented
2019-05-14 08:52:03 -0400
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Patricia Rhyne commented
2019-05-13 13:57:01 -0400
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