The family of 9-year-old Jacob Thompson announced on Facebook Monday morning that he “passed away peacefully” Sunday night, after a four-year battle with neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer.
Jacob’s story generated international interest after a request for Christmas cards was sent out on numerous media. Knowing that he might not make it until Dec. 25, Jacob’s family scheduled a Christmas celebration on Nov. 12 at the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital.
Jacob reportedly received more than 66,000 Christmas cards from all over the world as well as numerous holiday greetings online. Card givers included Arnold Schwarzenegger, Robert Kraft and Mark Hamill.
Jacob loved penguins, and earlier this month the Mystic Seaport in Connecticut brought some penguins to the hospital to visit him.
“Each and every person who sent Jacob a Christmas card, a gift, a Facebook message or video, or a prayer made a difference in the final days of his life,” wrote Jacob’s family on Facebook. “You brought Jacob joy, and you brought us all optimism for the future. Thank you for taking the time, and taking an interest in our sweet boy’s journey. Sadly, there are many others like him that we hope you will continue to help.”
The family asks those who want to make a donation in Jacob’s honor to give to Operation Gratitude, an organization that sends care packages to military members; a penguin rescue group; or “pay it forward” to the community.
“Do something for others, donate blood and platelets, or use your talents to bring shelter, nourishment or joy to those in need in honor of Jacob’s memory.
And most importantly, always remember to #LiveLikeAPenguin for Jacob,” wrote his family.
Young School, where Jacob was a student, is hosting “dress like a penguin day,” on Tuesday, according to the school’s parent teacher organization page. Students are encouraged to wear black and white or a piece of clothing with a penguin on it in memory of Jacob.
— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.
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