A family is asking for help to ensure their son’s final days on earth are festive ones.
Jacob Thompson was diagnosed with Stage 4 High Risk Neuroblastoma in February of 2014 when he was just 5 years old and has bravely battled the disease ever since. In an update on their GoFundMe page last month, Jacob’s mother, Michelle Thompson Simard, shared that the cancer had spread to his head and hip and treatment was unsuccessful. Simard said her now 9-year-old son was admitted to the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital in Maine on October 11 with the understanding that he has very limited time remaining.
“His father, Roger and myself have been told that we should be spending as much time as possible with him and we should start making arrangements for his passing,” Simard wrote. “It is expected Jacob may pass away within the month.”
Confined to a hospital bed, Jacob doesn’t have much mobility, but his parents and loved ones are doing everything they can to bring a smile to the young man’s face. Next weekend, Jacob and his family will be celebrating Christmas, and his hospital room will be transformed into a winter wonderland complete with trees, snow, and even Santa. Simard shared that Jacob had one additional request. He is hoping to receive Christmas cards from anyone “inspired to reach out.”
“Jacob loves the holiday season,” Simard told Good Housekeeping, “and we want him to know that Christmas wishes come true and that there are good people who care all around the world.”
As Good Housekeeping reported, cards have already started rolling in since Simard made her initial plea. One of his close friends sent Jacob a card with a penguin—his favorite animal. Simard said her son’s life motto is to “live like a penguin,” which means to “be friendly, stand by each other, go the extra mile, jump into life and be cool.”
On the GoFundMe page, which was set up to help defray funeral costs once that day arrives, Simard shared the heartwarming update that they have been overwhelmed by the love and support shown by complete strangers in their family’s time of need.
“The response for cards has been great!! We’re so excited about this,” she wrote. “Thank you for the love and support! You guys are already blowing my mind with the response and comments!”
If you would like to get involved, Jacob’s GoFundMe campaign can be found HERE and cards can be sent to the address below:
Jacob Thompson
C/O Maine Medical Center
22 Bramhall St
Portland, ME 04102
(H/T: WLKY)