Meet Jacob – Rhabdomyosarcoma Warrior

"I am incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received from The National Children’s Cancer Society (NCCS). As a single mom who had to stop working to be by Jacob’s side, their assistance has been invaluable. NCCS, thank you for everything.”

Jacob’s Journey

Jacob has shown the world what it means to be a true warrior. His cancer journey began in December 2023 when, at only 11 months old, he started experiencing fevers and flu-like symptoms. His pediatrician prescribed medication, but his condition worsened. His belly became swollen and hard, and he stopped eating and playing.

As a concerned mother, Maria brought Jacob back to the hospital multiple times. With his pediatrician on vacation, other doctors tried to diagnose him, first with colitis and later with gas. Neither diagnosis explained his symptoms or alleviated them. Finally, when his pediatrician returned, everything changed.

“As soon as Jacob’s doctor opened his shirt to examine his abdomen, he turned pale and immediately ordered an ultrasound,” Maria recalled. The results revealed a large tumor in Jacob’s abdomen. “We were rushed to the emergency room, and Jacob was admitted to the hematology/oncology floor shortly after his symptoms started.”

In the days that followed, Jacob underwent extensive tests, including CT scans, labs, and a biopsy. One month later, he was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare, malignant soft tissue cancer that develops in muscle cells. He began chemotherapy that same day, but his tiny body struggled. Fluids from hydration overwhelmed his lungs, and he was intubated in the pediatric ICU for an entire month.

After three months of inpatient care, his condition took a critical turn. Despite being on maximum oxygen, his lungs were not responding. Doctors performed an emergency surgery to relieve the pressure in his abdomen, leaving it open for two and a half months. “Everyone—doctors, nurses, and us—was terrified. No one knew what would happen, but Jacob is a warrior,” Maria shared. Against all odds, he began to improve.

Once Jacob was extubated, he faced withdrawal symptoms from his medications but started physical therapy, regaining his ability to crawl, stand, laugh, and talk. After weeks of progress, Jacob underwent an eight-hour surgery to remove the tumor and close his abdomen. “The tumor was completely removed, and he came out with a normal belly,” said Maria.

Jacob continues his treatment plan, undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. Despite the challenges, he is a happy, playful, and energetic little boy. He has even started walking again. “Seeing him laugh and enjoy life inspires me every day,” Maria said.

How We Helped
When Jacob was diagnosed with cancer, Maria, a single mom, made the difficult decision to step away from work to be by her son’s side. While she knew this was the right decision for her and Jacob, it left her feeling the incredible weight of daily household expenses and how to get back and forth to the hospital. Their hospital social worker referred them to The National Children’s Cancer Society, where they received critical support through the Transportation Assistance Fund and Emergency Assistance Fund. Maria also received much-needed emotional support from their dedicated NCCS case manager.

Maria shared, “I am incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received from The National Children’s Cancer Society (NCCS). As a single mom who had to stop working to be by Jacob’s side, their assistance has been invaluable. NCCS, thank you for everything.”

Jacob’s story is one of resilience, strength, and hope—a reminder that even the smallest fighters can overcome the toughest battles.