(This beautiful essay was written by Izzy Brown for her 8th grade English class. Thank you, Izzy!!)
What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, this I believe.
When Jacob’s family received word that Jacob had Canavan disease, Jordana, Jacob’s mother, was filled with many emotions. She was confused, and she did not know what to do with the information; however, she knew one thing for sure. She was not planning on burying her son. She would do whatever it took in her power to make him live a long and happy life.
At only six months, Jacob was diagnosed with Canavan disease, a rare genetic brain disorder that doesn’t allow children to perform the simplest functions. After his parents got the news, they did not know if Jacob would survive. The doctors said that Jacob would not live past four years old, and in his short lifetime, he would become blind, paralyzed, subject to seizures and eventually lose touch with the world. Although Jacob suffers from these symptoms, he is still living now, at the age of 14. About 200 children are diagnosed with Canavan Disease every year, and even though there is no cure, doctors are searching for one. One solution could save the lives of many. Since he was diagnosed with his disease, Jacob has undergone many surgeries including a [gene therapy] surgery. The research that Jacob’s Cure is funding not only helps Canavan children but also people with different brain related diseases such as Parkinsons’s, MS, and ALS.
Jacob’s mom, Jordana, started an organization called Jacob’s Cure at the beginning of May, 2000. It is a non-profit organization that raises money for the research of Canavan disease. The research will not only help Jacob and his family but also all families with children dealing with the fatal disease. Now, children who are born with Canavan disease are able to receive special treatments because of the research Jacob’s family has supported. Because Canavan disease is an orphan disease, a disease that is not common, Canavan parents do not receive a lot of funding from the government. Instead, all the funding has been up to the families. Because of all the costly research and procedures, one family cannot support all of the expenses. This is where friends come in. Jacob has many people who care about him and his family, so they are willing to give their time and volunteer to raise money at events or even just to donate money to the very important cause. Each donation brings the researchers one step closer to finding a cure for the fatal disease. Jordana has gone to great lengths to help many families who are in the same situation as she is.
Jordana has inspired many families to live life to the fullest and take nothing for granted. She has given her all in bringing her family along with other families together. Every donation makes a difference because, without the money that fuels the research, all of their efforts would be useless. Because of many families dear to Jacob’s family, Jacob’s Cure has been able to thrive and continue the search for a cure for this devastating disease. Thanks to so many people, there is still hope that the kids suffering from Canavan disease will be cured one day.
Jacob was Jordana’s gift, and all of her efforts are her gift to him. Jordana has successfully influenced the lives of many, progressing the research that is now saving the lives of many Canavan children and other brain-related cancers. Jordana is a truly inspirational woman who sets an example and lives by the notion that when life knocks you down, you get back up and make the best of your situation. Although Jacob and his family have to cope with his condition, it only makes them stronger.
This I believe.
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