R. McDonald House Drive for Jacob

Each year I participate in the fund drive through my school district for the Ronald McDonald House.  I have raised over $4000 in the last three years, and have collected over 300 pounds of can tab tops for Ronald McDonald House.  I have big ambitions this year to do $5K in this one year.  I am doing this in honor of my cousin, Jacob.  Here is his story:  Jacob Earl Kampen was born on December 29th, 2015 with a condition known as Pierre Robin Sequence.  Pierre Robin Sequence results in a cleft palate and a retracted jaw. Jacob had a difficult airway and was on a respiratory monitor 24/7. He spent the first month of his life in the NICU, due to the fact that his cleft palate also makes it difficult to eat. After about 25 days Jacob received a feeding tube so that he could go home. Based on his respiratory issues Jacob was scheduled for a mandibular distraction which took place at Seattle Children's Hospital in March. This jaw surgery occurred at 3 months old and was a three week process, during which they moved his jaw forward approximately an inch. For this three week process his family was able to stay at the Ronald McDonald house right next to Seattle Children's Hospital. Having this option made a big impact on their family as they were able to remain close to the hospital and bring Jacob's 2 siblings with them for his surgery. The Ronald McDonald house offered lots of activities, movies, a playground outside, as well as a place where parents and families facing similar situations could congregate and find camaraderie. Not to mention a full kitchen to cook in and several free meals, giving his family a secondary option to the hospital cafeteria. Following Jacobs mandibular retraction his airway is normal. He no longer requires a respiratory monitor and within a few weeks he was able to eat his entire feedings without use of his feeding tube. Today Jacob still has his cleft palate, which will be repaired when he is a bit older, closer to 15 months, for which his family will travel back to Seattle, from Alaska for another 1-2 week stint and hope to stay at the Ronald McDonald house again. Nevertheless, Jacob is thriving. He is a well rounded, developmentally in tact, very happy little boy. He is a complete joy to his family and those that he meets. "  Please help me help Jacob again and many more families like his.