From the moment he entered the world at just 25 weeks, Jacob has shown extraordinary strength.
Born a micro premmie, Jacob’s earliest days were filled with uncertainty and fear from his family. Just seven days into his fragile life, a severe brain bleed changed everything – leading to a diagnoses of Spastic Triplegia Cerebral Palsy and Hydrocephalus. It was a moment no parent could prepare for.
“Having a premature baby is scary. The uncertainty of if he’d survive or not was really confronting” - Kellie (mum)
That fear quickly turned into a fierce determination – a drive to give Jacob every chance to grow, thrive, and live a full life. In the following years, Jacob has faced more medical interventions that many experience in a lifetime: multiple rounds of Botox in his legs and left arm, six shunt surgeries, and major operations such as bilateral FDRO surgery and hamstring lengthening to assist with mobility. The family have faced numerous emergencies throughout this time and have frequently been flown down to Brisbane via the Royal Flying Doctor Service for urgent care.
Through all of this, one thing remained constant – the support of Ronald McDonald House Charities South East Queensland (RMHC SEQ).
The family first connected with RMHC SEQ when his mum was flown to Brisbane for emergency care during preterm labour. After giving birth, she was discharged from hospital and welcomed with open arms into Ronald McDonald House Herston – a place that would become a vital support through many of the years that followed.
Over the years, RMHC SEQ has supported the entire family – parents, grandparents, siblings – providing a warm meal, a friendly face, and a safe space during life’s toughest moments. The Meals from the Heart Program quickly became a family favourite – a simple comfort that meant so much in the midst of everything.
Now a teenager, Jacob continues to defy the odds and inspire everyone around him.
He’s channeled his strength into a passion for athletics – a love that started on his very first school sports day. At age 10, he began representing his school and soon progressed to regional and state-level competitions. Although surgery has made it harder for Jacob to run bends, he continues to compete in the 100m sprint, where he’s worked hard to return to his pre-op speed.
Today, Jacob focuses on his throws, particularly discus and javelin. He currently holds both the Queensland and Australian record for Men’s F35 U15 and U17 categories in discus and recently added the Queensland and Australian records in javelin to his list of achievements. At a recent national competition in Perth, Jacob broke the javelin record not once, but three times in the same event – a massive personal best and a huge testament to his determination.
Jacob’s story is a powerful reminder that even in the face of unimaginable challenges, children can rise, and families can endure – especially when they’re surrounded by care, compassion and community.
RMHC SEQ relies on the support of the entire community. Without these generous contributions, we would be unable to support the thousands of families that walk through our doors each year. Show your support by donating or getting involved today.
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