Support for Jacob & Family

Update 5.1.22 - One year later - still at Johns Hopkins Hospital! A message from Jacob's grandmother, Pam Bateman:  Jacob Interview Four Years Ago 

"Remember this video? Maybe you haven't seen it. This was four years ago -- my grandson Jacob. Most of you are not aware of the serious hardships that are going on right now for Jacob's family. I've never done this before, beg that is, for help -- any help and all help anywhere -- but Jacob's family has depleted through every bit of money they had, money needed for everything they do every day to be with their son 24/7, with Mom and Dad switching out
every three days. Fact of the matter is, Jacob would not be with us had Mom or Dad not been at the hospital advocating for him because they're the only ones who know him well enough to speak for him now that he is no longer able to speak. As if the grief that's now their life isn't sad enough, now they are forced to move soon, not knowing where and how they will go. The townhouse they rent is being put up for sale. Yes, I am begging you not only for contributions but also for each of you to PLEASE share my post and ask that all of your friends do the same. Jacob would thank you if he could.  Thank you!"
 
Update 3/8/22:  Post from Jacob’s mom, Melissa. This picture was taken last Wednesday. I know Joshua Brooks has updated already but I just can’t wrap my head around this, can’t believe that we are once again down in the PICU with Jacob in this condition. Last Monday we had gotten the news that Jake would finally get to transfer to KKI on 3/7- today. Then on Tuesday night he was rushed into emergency surgery after a CT scan showed his tumor ruptured, which clogged his shunt and so his hydrocephalus returned. He had an external drain tube put in to get rid of the extra fluid and any small particles. They kept the breathing tube in because they weren’t sure how long it would take him to come around and things were not good. Each day since, he has woken up a little more and has been following commands. But he’s on mild sedation still and his ventricles are still too big. So he only wakes up for very short periods of time. Yesterday he was able to get the breathing tube out. We don’t know yet if he will need another surgery to get a new shunt. I just can’t understand why every time he starts to get a little better and gets a date to finally transfer to KKI, something tragic happens to him. I’m just so damn sad when I come home and see all his stuff around the house. Nothing will ever be the same. For him, or for our family. I just want him back, however he is, and our family back together.

Update 12/15/21: The struggle continues for Jacob. Just when he was preparing to be transferred to Kennedy Kreiger , he aspirated fluid in his lungs. Transfer postponed. Hoping pneumonia doesn’t set in. Please continue to keep Jacob and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Update… this photo speaks for itself. Jacob is in the fight for his life. Prayers are needed! This young family has been dealing with the unimaginable the past several years. If able, financial support is also appreciated.

Prior post…
Two years ago young Jacob had brain surgery for a tumor. Unfortunately the tumor grew back and on November 20, 2020, Jacob had to endure yet another risky surgery (his 6th)! While the surgery went well, the road to recovery is long. There is emotional and financial strain on Jacob’s family and the restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic present additional challenges. This fund raising campaign was created to help ease the financial stress that Jacob’s family is experiencing right now. Please contribute if you can, and your continued prayers and words of encouragement are appreciated. Thanks!