“If you want to see him again, it’s time.” No one wants to hear these words about a loved one, especially not a young, bright child with promise. This is what my brother said when he called early the morning after Thanksgiving.

Jacob Carter is my seven-year-old nephew, and he’s been incredibly brave through a very challenging time. Born with a rare condition called MMIHS, Jacob has spent much of his young life in and out of hospitals.

Most recently, he underwent a total colectomy at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children on November 11, 2025, and navigated a complicated recovery with blood, platelet, and albumin transfusions and ICU.

He was welcomed home on November 24, but the next day, Jacob developed a post-operative infection and sepsis, which meant an emergency return to the hospital and days in special care. Thankfully, he's now out of special care and receiving ongoing treatment, but his recovery is far from over. It is expected that his open wound care will require a couple of surgeries per week for the near future.

Jacob’s parents, Ekaterine and Marcus, have been by his side every step of the way despite other obligations. However, Eka was laid off from her job of five years on November 16—during this medical emergency—and Marcus, a disabled veteran, is running for Congress in their home district. Along with Jacob’s brother Alex and his grandmother Bebo, the family takes turns staying with him around the clock to make sure he feels loved and supported. The emotional and financial toll has been immense, especially with the added costs of travel, hospital stays, and Eka’s lost income.

We’re reaching out for help to ease some of the stress the Carter family is feeling in this great time of need. Your donation will help cover travel expenses, costs related to their hospital stay, and relief from financial pressure so the family can focus on creating the most supportive healing atmosphere possible. Jacob isn’t out of the woods yet, but we can surround them with support and hope for the best outcome possible.