Jacob was born on August 31, 2011. One day after birth, he was diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS). He had his first heart procedure at 6 days old and his second at 4 months. Before he turned 2 1/2, he had his third procedure.

For the next 5 years, Jacob enjoyed being a little boy. He played outside and went on vacations with his family. He built legos and played video games with his older brother, Jack. Then, in mid-April, he went to the hospital with stomach pains. While there, he suffered a stroke. A few days later, Jacob went into cardiac arrest and had to have a Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) implanted in his heart. The only option left was a heart transplant.

Jacob was officially listed on April 22nd. After 4 weeks of physical therapy and working to stay strong, and after a couple of set-backs, Jacob received a new heart the day after Mother’s Day.

The surgery was a success, and eventually Jacob was moved to the Ability Lab to continue physical therapy. There, he was able to start being a little boy again. He was no longer hooked up to machines. He was smiling, talking and laughing. He was able to play games with his brother, Jack, and visit with other relatives.

Jacob’s progress has been amazing, but he still has a long journey ahead. His family is facing large medical expenses due to the transplant and all of the care and medication necessary to allow Jacob to return the ordinary life of a little boy.

The Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) helps children and young adults who need a life-saving transplant by providing fundraising assistance and family support. COTA is the nation’s only fundraising organization solely dedicated to raising life-saving dollars in honor of transplant-needy children and young adults. 100% of each contribution made to COTA in honor of our patients helps meet transplant-related expenses. COTA’s services are free to our families, and gifts to COTA are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.