Jacob’s Story
This is my favourite time of the year. You know why? Because there’s lots of cookies
and chocolates and I get to play outside in the snow with my dad and my dog, Daisy. I get to play outside a lot because NEO Kids is so close to our house that I can play before and after appointments.
Oops, my mom says the proper way to start a letter is by introducing who I am. I’m Jacob, and I’m 8 years old. That’s me!
I’ve been coming to NEO Kids for as long as I can remember. Everyone there knows me. Every time I walk down the halls, I hear, “Hi Jacob!” from all the nurses and doctors, and my dad always jokes, “Do you know everybody here?”
It’s true though. They all know me because I’ve had a lot of doctor visits—more than most kids my age. I was born with a heart that’s a little different, so I need a little extra care. Dr. Kumar says it’s because I was born with a congenital heart defect, which means I’ll always need to see someone like him.
My parents told me that when I was a baby, I had to go all the way to Toronto for big surgeries — my first was when I was just 30 hours old. I don’t remember it. We still go to the city sometimes. But now, I can get a lot of my care at home in Sudbury. That means I don’t have to miss out on the things I love, like playing in the snow, fishing, or hanging out with my dog, Daisy. And I don’t have to spend all day in the car travelling through snowstorms to get to my appointments.
That’s something I know my mom really likes — not having to drive far every time the doctors need to help me. I remember one holiday season, me and mom had to be at a hospital far away. We missed all the good food and a big snowfall back home.
This year, I’m excited to be home for the holidays. But I know that some of my friends
from NEO Kids will be at the hospital. They won’t be home like me, playing outside, drinking hot chocolate, and sneaking cookies, but at least they’ll be close to home.
When I’m close to home at NEO Kids, we’re never alone. I remember there were many
days when mom would spend the days with me and work at night. Dad would spend the nights with me and go to work when mom came back. Sometimes Poppa used to come see us too. This year, with your message of hope, other patients will feel your support. They’ll all know that you — their community — are with them this holiday season.
I even get to see my favourite doctor when I’m close to home. Dr. Kumar always makes me feel comfortable and checks on my heart while we talk and play games. It’s nice knowing I’m in good hands with people who know me so well.
It feels really good to be somewhere people know my name. I like that I can be home, with my friends, and go to school. I can sleep in my own bed. Mom and dad like it too — I think it’s easier for them to not have to drive and sleep somewhere new.
My mom has always taught me not to be scared of hospitals or doctors because they help me. She’s also taught me that it’s important to say thank you when someone does something special — so thank you for reading my letter, and thinking of supporting kids like me through the Health Sciences North Foundation this holiday season.
Thank you for helping me and my friends feel better and stay close to home.
With love,
Jacob
P.S., Your donation today will be matched by an anonymous donor
so that your gift can have double the impact for kids like Jacob.
Donations will be matched up to $20,000.