Help Jacob Walk Without Pain

Hi, my name is Kaydence, and I’m reaching out on behalf of my family as my younger brother Jacob (Jake) prepares to undergo a major surgery this summer.

Jacob is 6 years old and has been through a lot in his young life. He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, which affects his ability to move freely and without pain. He lives with tight, painful muscles in his legs that make everyday tasks exhausting and often frustrating. He loves playing sports, especially football and baseball, but his condition limits how much he can do and how long he can keep up.

On July 15th, Jacob will be having Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) surgery, a specialized spinal procedure that targets the nerves causing his muscle tightness. The goal is to improve his mobility, reduce his pain, and allow him to move with more ease and independence. This surgery has the potential to change his daily life, helping him walk and sit more comfortably, improve his posture, and participate more fully in the activities he already loves.

Jacob will be in the hospital for three to four weeks, followed by six months of outpatient therapy. His mom will be staying with him full-time and, during that period, won’t be able to work. Our family is doing everything we can, but we need help covering some of the basic expenses that will still need to be met while she’s focused on Jacob’s recovery.

We’re raising funds to help cover:

• Housing costs and utilities

• Gas and travel to and from the hospital

• Meals and living expenses for his mom while staying with him

• Childcare and camp for his three sisters (ages 9, 8, and 4)

• Back-to-school expenses

• Therapy and medical-related costs during and after hospitalization

This will be the first time our family has been apart like this. Jacob’s sisters are extremely close to him, and although they’ll get to visit, it’ll be limited. It’s going to be a challenging few months emotionally and financially, and we’re hoping for support so his mom can stay focused on what matters most — helping Jacob heal.

If you’ve ever had the joy of meeting Jacob, you know how full of life he is. Even with all he’s faced, he’s one of the happiest, most positive kids you’ll ever meet. He never lets his diagnosis define him and he inspires us every single day.

Every dollar helps, every share helps. We’ll be posting regular updates and photos throughout Jacob’s journey so you can see exactly how your support is making a difference.

Thank you for being part of his story.

– Kaydence and The Craig Family