Terminally Ill Teen Asks for 10,000 Birthday Cards to ‘Feel Better’ – NYPD Steps Up Big Time

"It's just cool and awesome."
By
Editor

14-year-old Jacob Priestly is an Arizona teen with a life-threatening illness who needs every ounce of energy he can muster to fight it. He’s made headlines the past couple years for pleading with the nation to send him birthday cards because they “make him feel better.”

He’s received birthday cards from children and even inmates. But this summer he upped the request, asking the country for 10,000 cards. He eventually eclipsed the 10,000 mark – many of those coming from one source: the NYPD.

Not only were they responsible for sending thousands of cards, the NYPD Brooklyn North had a special surprise in store for Jacob. They invited him and his family on a special tour of New York City.

Priestly started off his trip on Tuesday, making a stop at Radio City Music Hall, an entertainment venue inside Rockefeller Center, where the week long dedication to making this young boy’s time filled with fun.

First, Priestly carried holy water for Cardinal Timothy Dolan to bless the animals for the Christmas Show, reported a local ABC News affiliate.

In response to his religious duties, the young kid said, “I can’t really explain it, it’s just cool and awesome.”

The Cardinal Dolan said that during his conversation with Jacob, “I reminded him that the grandfather Jesus was Jacob.”

After that, Brooklyn Borough President, Eric Adams gave up a special public announcement to honor the young boy and some Brooklyn related gear, so the teen realized that he’s cared for and supported.

A few weeks ago Priestly asked for 10,000 birthday cards for his special day, to help him endure the pain caused by mitocondrial disease, an inherited chronic illness that produces debilitating physical, developmental and cognitive disabilities, the mitoaction site said.

Simply put, the illness stops Jacob’s body from producing the energy he needs.

To meet the request, the NYPD Brooklyn North team stepped in and sent him thousands of cards. Shortly after that gift, the team surprised Jason and his family with a trip to New York City.

NYPD Assistant Chief Jeff Maddrey said, “First we were talking about let’s go to Arizona, but then we said let’s bring Jake and his family to the biggest, best city in the world.”

In response, Jason’s dad said, “It just goes to show they care about the citizens of America, not just their people but the citizens of America.”