Jacob’s Introduction

This is Jacob’s never-ending journey to health and healing. He was born special, “a little too special,” as he says. Born with VACTERL Association, an acronym for:

V - Vertebrea (scoliosis)

A - Anal Artesian (colostomy bag)

C - Cardio (3 holes in heart, 1 patched, 1 stitched, 1 still present)

T/E - Tracheal esophagus (acid reflux, throwing up)

R - Renal (1 functioning kidney, other kidney is multicystic dysplastic)

L - Limbs (6 digits, polydactyl, extra thumb)

On top of VACTERL Association, Jacob also has been diagnosed with learning disabilities which include ADHD, Autism, and OCD. After undergoing over 30 surgeries since birth on his heart, back, intestinal tract, teeth, etc., Jacob lives with chronic pain, a lack of mobility, and physical limitations. Despite all of this, Jacob remains a incredibly influential light in the lives of those around him. He inspires positivity, kindness, and empathy in all those he meets. And, despite his struggles, his humour shines brightly through it all.

Current Living Arrangements

Jacob currently resides in a 5th wheel that is not conducive to his healing process nor his current medical needs as a growing 15, soon to be 16, year old boy, with a bed that does not support his current medical needs nor growing size, a lack of amenities that encourage his independence, and a lack of ergonomic supports. Jacob’s mom, who is currently struggling with an autoimmune disorder diagnosis, likely Rheumatoid Arthritis or Lupus, is currently unable to work and support Jacob in the ways she has in the past and wishes she could in the present.

The Help we are Seeking

We are seeking funding for Jacob’s medical needs and housing upgrades, which would include amenities that foster safe and effective healing while ensuring his independence. This would include a larger bed with a supportive mattress that would reduce pain, strain, and head trauma while getting in and out of bed, mobility bars that would aid in movement throughout the home, his own bathroom for privacy and independence, ergonomic furniture that would better support his spine and reduce back strain, an independent climate zone to reduce his severe temperature reactivity to warmth and heat, a larger food prep and storage area to increase independence in cooking and meal preparations, kitchen appliances that properly cook and store foodstuffs, storage for medical apparatuses and tools, storage for Jacob’s clothing and personal items, his own entrance and exit to ensure proper access and egress for emergencies, safety, and independence.

Upcoming Medical Surgeries

With the multitude of previous surgeries Jacob has undergone, doctors are continuously sending him for tests, scheduling specialist appointments, and preparing him for any potential future surgeries. Jacob’s current upcoming surgeries include a repair for his parastomal hernia bulge around his stoma and permanent spinal rods to repair his scoliosis. His most recent surgery involved removing a set of temporary spinal rods in January 2025. Doctors discovered that Jacob’s spine is still not able to support his body, therefore, another spinal repair surgery is required and more may be needed in the coming months and years as his body continues to grow and develop.

Thank you for your time and support.