One week ago tonight, I sat at this computer and shared with the world the joyous news of the birth of my son. I wrote about how amazing it was to share the news and pictures immediately. Unfortunately, I discovered a few short days later how bad news can be spread just as quickly.
All of the parents from a 3rd grade football team made up of boys who attend the catholic elementary schools spread out across Sioux City received an email about one of the boys who played on that team this fall. This email told the story of Jacob Nichol and how on Friday afternoon, doctors at Children’s Hospital in Omaha, NE found a tumor bigger than a golf ball pressing up against Jacob’s brainstem and surgery would be done on Saturday.
The news was shocking and of course very hard on Jacob’s classmates which my son happens to be. Jacob is a friend to everyone in the class and had been in school on Thursday, now they suddenly had no idea when they would see him again.
Luckily, Jacob’s parents began using Care Pages. This is a website that people suffering from diseases and their families can share updates about how everything is going. Plus, friends and families of these patients can post messages of encouragement and hope. It is a very touching site.
Every member of the 3rd grade class spent time on Monday posting a special personal note to Jacob. The school has started doing fundraisers, including “Nickels for Nichol’s” and two of the boys who share a birthday in late November have invited both 3rd grade classes to their party and have requested that instead of gifts, a donation be made to the Nichol’s family.
The best news in all of this is that Jacob is doing very well. An MRI has shown that the surgery successfully removed all of the cancer. Jacob is hurting but is starting to be able to eat through a feeding tube although he is confused why he is not able to talk or move. The type of tumor that was found was one that did not require another surgery and more tests done. This is one very strong and amazing boy and what turned out as a sad and scaring email, has turned into a Caring Page of hope and recovery.
All of the parents from a 3rd grade football team made up of boys who attend the catholic elementary schools spread out across Sioux City received an email about one of the boys who played on that team this fall. This email told the story of Jacob Nichol and how on Friday afternoon, doctors at Children’s Hospital in Omaha, NE found a tumor bigger than a golf ball pressing up against Jacob’s brainstem and surgery would be done on Saturday.
The news was shocking and of course very hard on Jacob’s classmates which my son happens to be. Jacob is a friend to everyone in the class and had been in school on Thursday, now they suddenly had no idea when they would see him again.
Luckily, Jacob’s parents began using Care Pages. This is a website that people suffering from diseases and their families can share updates about how everything is going. Plus, friends and families of these patients can post messages of encouragement and hope. It is a very touching site.
Every member of the 3rd grade class spent time on Monday posting a special personal note to Jacob. The school has started doing fundraisers, including “Nickels for Nichol’s” and two of the boys who share a birthday in late November have invited both 3rd grade classes to their party and have requested that instead of gifts, a donation be made to the Nichol’s family.
The best news in all of this is that Jacob is doing very well. An MRI has shown that the surgery successfully removed all of the cancer. Jacob is hurting but is starting to be able to eat through a feeding tube although he is confused why he is not able to talk or move. The type of tumor that was found was one that did not require another surgery and more tests done. This is one very strong and amazing boy and what turned out as a sad and scaring email, has turned into a Caring Page of hope and recovery.
The story of Jacob’s is very sad and scary, but thank goodness he is doing well right now. It is amazing what doctors can do these days and also how strong little kids can be in situations like these. The Care Pages is a very good site. I have known a few families who have used it in tough times of a family member. It is a great way to keep everyone updated and to be able to see how much people are supporting and thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteI was actually relieved to read that the boy had a tumor. That sounds awful, but at first I thought you were going to write a story about how mean kids at school had used the web to tell cruel lies about a boy at school. This is much more uplifting. I'm glad to know he's ok, and also very pleased to hear about the boys who chose to have their friends give gifts to the family instead of presents for themselves!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to the family and a speedy recovery to the little boy.