Last month, my 12-year-old grandson Jacob had a seizure after school, while at the bank with his Mom Christina. She rushed him across the street to the hospital. Doctors discovered a golf-ball-sized tumor in his brain that was immediately removed and biopsied. Just over a week after his surgery, our beloved Jacob was diagnosed with a high-grade glioma, an aggressive, grade 4 cancer. This particular cancer has a very high mortality rate and has no cure at this time. Jacob's parents (Rob and Christina) and sisters (Angel and Lilly) are overcome with sadness and fear. We join them in grieving this devastating news. We are all clinging to the hope that a combination of science, strategic treatment, and prayer will heal Jacob.

 

Ten years ago, Jacob was diagnosed with hypodiploid acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Doctors were not confident he would survive – the odds were stacked against him. He battled hard and by God’s grace, four years ago our Superman was officially declared cancer-free. Our family is hopeful that our effervescent, strong-willed and high-spirited Jacob can beat the odds again.

 

This past week, Jacob began daily radiation treatment at the Cancer Center across the street from Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital. The treatment will last for six weeks. His doctors are also aware of treatments after radiation that can improve quality of life, but may require Rob, Christina, and Jacob to travel to another part of the U.S.

 

Due to the intensity of the treatment and the future of potential long-term travel, Rob and Christina have both taken indefinite unpaid leave from work. Our family supports them in this so they have complete flexibility to respond to treatment plans and Jacob's health needs.

 

We hope you will join us in support of Rob, Christina, and Jacob as they face a daunting battle while also cherishing these moments they have together. Over the coming 3-4 months, they could use some specific support from all of us. We hope you will consider joining us in this effort:

 

- Household Expenses ($10,000 will help them pay for their rent, groceries, and utilities over the coming months)

- Counseling Sessions ($2000 will pay for counseling sessions for Jacob's parents, Rob and Christina)

- Family Vacation ($3000 will help the family fulfill Jacob's wish to return to LegoLand in Florida or to the family's favorite vacation spot in Tennessee.)

- Further Treatment Travel (Cost and travel timeline are unknown at this point)

 

Finally, we ask for your prayer that God will guide Jacob's doctors, specialists, and nurses in the best treatment plan. Pray that God would bless Rob and Christina with his strength and peace. Pray that Jacob will beat cancer again!

 

If you would like to mail a check rather than give online, please make checks out to "Rob Smith" and mail to:

Rob and Christina Smith

148 Lions Creek Court North

Noblesville, IN 46062