This is my nephew Jacob, he’s 4 and a half years old and he has cancer. It’s a very aggressive cancer and the outlook is not looking at all rosey. My family is looking for a miracle and maybe you can help bring that about?
Jacob is my only nephew and is the twin brother of Summalee. He had some issues with his liver when he was born but he quickly got over that and has been a happy smiley little boy ever since. I don’t get to see them as often as I might like on account of the fact I live so far away, but whenever I am in town both the twins are always excited to see their ‘Uncle Simon.’ It’s fun being an uncle.
Jake has been ill for a while now though. At first my sister Louise and her husband Bryan didn’t think it was too serious. They figured he had a minor bug and would get better soon enough with the usual measures. But he didn’t and soon went off his food. After a few doctors appointments he was sent to the hospital for tests. When they went to the doctors for the results a few days later Jake was admitted to hospital right away and my sister and Bryan were given the awful news that little Jake has an extremely aggressive cancer that would seem to be widespread though his bone marrow. (Forgive me if these details sound a little wrong, to be honest I am not all that up with exactly what kind of cancer it is or where it is.)
As you can imagine this has come as an awful surprise to my sister and Bryan, and to the family as a whole. The outlook isn’t great and there will be some long soul searching days ahead for sure, but I’m going to remain confident and believe that miracles do happen, but this is where Jake could do with your help to.
I know a lot of you believe in God so I am asking you to say prayers for Jake. My prayer is that I want him to make a complete and full recovery and live and long and happy life. But I guess you should pray for whatever you think is ‘prayable.’ I think the little guy needs all the help he can get so I am extending this request to you all in the hope that you’ll make a note and maybe tell a few other prayful people to mention my little nephew to God too.
I’m also concerned for my sister and brother in law. They have to deal with this which will undoubtedly be extremely stressful and at the same time they have to maintain a semblance of normality for Jake’s twin sister, Summalee. My brother is particularly close to the children too. After his wife died back in 2006 he spent a lot of time with the children because they didn’t have any expectations of him, they didn’t constantly ask him how he was or express sympathy, they just wanted to play with their uncle. My Mom and Dad seem to be okay, but this can’t be easy for them either.
It’s strange, I lived my whole life with no real significant deaths to deal with then all of a sudden my Granddad, my sister in law, and an old friend all died. It lead someone to comment that I always seemed to be writing tributes to dead people on my blog. Not the most subtle way of expressing that, but I knew what they meant because I felt the same. I don’t I absolutely DO NOT want to have to write one word in remembrance of little Jacob Marshall.
I know I am not the most spiritual person who has ever walked the face of the earth, but God, if you’re out there and you’re listening, show me something!
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On a personal note
Brothers in arms
Wrote the following comment on Jun 1, 2008 at 5:07 pm
Simon, I am so sorry to hear this. I will keep your little one in my prayers and hope that he will be okay. Hugs to all of your family, may you all be strong for the long road ahead.
Wrote the following comment on Jun 1, 2008 at 6:34 pm
My dad died of cancer in Dec so this all too familiar for me. I do know that kids are pretty resiliant and have an advantage as far as bouncing back if they are able to receive the bone marrow or transplant….I wasnt sure if you meant he needed a bone marrow transplant which means he has a very good chance or if it had matacitized (?sp) to his bone marrow. Which in lay mans means it has spread. I also have a very close friend who was recently diagnosed. I do know from experience that people affected, meaning mom and dad, benefit more from supportive people who are positive….consoling for loss can come later if needed. Be a positive person of insight, its worth more to people than extending empathy at this point. I will also pray for your family.
Wrote the following comment on Jun 1, 2008 at 9:07 pm
Oh, Simon, I’m so sorry. I’m praying!!
Wrote the following comment on Jun 1, 2008 at 11:05 pm
my little cousin died of cancer 2 years ago and there is nothing more tragic than a child in this situation.
i am praying and thinking of you.
its also so weird that her name is summalee.
im sommer leigh.
and jake marshall…
my brother is cody marshall.
what a strange coincidence.
i wanna see a miracle here!
Wrote the following comment on Jun 1, 2008 at 11:02 pm
Will definitely pray.
Wrote the following comment on Jun 2, 2008 at 10:31 am
yes, absolutely i will pray for your nephew Jacob, for his family, and for you.
Wrote the following comment on Jun 2, 2008 at 1:56 pm
I will pray for all of you.
Wrote the following comment on Jun 2, 2008 at 7:14 pm
Cancer has touched my life more than I care to acknowledge…good friends, family. I will keep them in my prayers. Miracles do happen. My brother and sister are my examples.
Wrote the following comment on Jun 3, 2008 at 12:25 am
simon, i am so sorry to read this. your nephew, and all involved, will be added to my prayer list and book.
god speed…
Wrote the following comment on Jun 3, 2008 at 3:04 am
I read this post last night and have remembered your nephew a number of times throughout the day. Please know that I am praying – his sweet little face keeps coming into my mind and every time it does, I pray for him.
Wrote the following comment on Jun 3, 2008 at 8:41 am
yes, i’m praying.
Wrote the following comment on Jun 3, 2008 at 8:34 pm
Consider it done…I will be praying that god’s will be done in this as in all things. It is so difficult to go through something like this. I believe that God is capable of the amazing, and that is what we will be praying for!
Wrote the following comment on Jun 6, 2008 at 1:14 pm
Hi Simon
Sorry to hear about Jacob. The photos are great. I’ll certainly be praying, and I’ve forwarded your email onto 40 Christian friends who I KNOW will be praying for him.
Please keep me updated on his progress.
Wrote the following comment on Jun 6, 2008 at 1:34 pm
Please be rest assured that my family and I will be praying with you for the miracle of healing to manifest.
Wrote the following comment on Jun 6, 2008 at 6:10 pm
Hey Simon,
My name is Todd and I am Melissa’s brother in law (married to Melanie). I got your email about Jake forwarded to me with your message and appeal for prayer. What a heartbreaking ordeal. There really is nothing else to say about things like this. I will pray for your sister and brother in-law and Sumalee (what a beautiful name) and especially Jake.
I remember hanging out with you in 1992 or so after a gig of mine with J. Rophe. Ah, the good old days when we had nothing better to do than sit around at Carrow’s Restaurant all night!