Chris Currie of CENTURY 21 A.L.L. Stars Realty Ltd. in Edmonton, Alberta, has launched a fundraising campaign to raise $25,000 to cover the cost of a wheelchair accessible van for an inspirational 10-year-old boy named Jacob.
Jacob is a handsome young man with a smile that will warm your heart and an infectious giggle that can’t help but make you giggle too. Even with the diagnosis of Spastic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy, Global Development Delay, Seizure Disorder and being considered legally blind he wakes up with a smile on his face and is ready to face every day head on.
“I have known Jacob’s family for many years as a friend and, more recently, as their REALTOR®. When I met Jacob for the first time, it was not hard to fall in love with him and his wonderful spirit. I could see the struggles his parents, Kris and Melanie, had to endure on a daily basis but could only imagine just how difficult it really was. It was a “no-brainer” when I decided to focus all of my fundraising efforts on Jacob – an amazing boy with an incredible family,” Chris explained.
Jacob’s parents Kris and Melanie welcomed Jacob into this world at only 26 weeks gestation weighing 1.5 pounds. That day, they said hello to a determined little boy and said good-bye to Jacob’s twin sister Sarah who is in heaven watching over her brother. After 102 days in the NICU and two surgeries Jacob was able to go home with his parents.
Within the first year of his life, Jacob was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and had his first seizure at just over one year old. Through the years, although more diagnoses came, his personality and love for life grew. At an early age, Jacob began all kinds of therapies and treatments to help him be who he is today. Jacob has gone through a total of 18 surgeries and has a couple more he is facing this year. Even when he is recovering from surgery, he shows his strength with a smile on his face. He is non-verbal but his eyes and facial expressions tell you all you need to know.
As Jacob grows, it is getting harder and harder to lift his 85 pound wheel chair in and out of his family’s van. Jacob now has scoliosis and does not sit properly in his car seat. Sitting in his wheelchair in an accessible van will not only allow him to get out more easily it will also be more comfortable for him and safer for him as his wheelchair is custom fit for his body.
Jacob’s family consider themselves blessed to have Jacob and thanks God every day for all that he brings into their lives. They have met wonderful people that never would have crossed their paths if not for Jacob. They learn to celebrate all the small things and to never take anything for granted. They give Jacob a wonderful home full of love and comfort. Having an accessible van will change all of their lives … especially the life of one special little boy.
To help Chris reach his fundraising goal and give Jacob and his family a wheelchair accessible van, please visit Chris’ fundraising page.
