Jakob’s Story

At the age of two, Jakob was diagnosed with pre-B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and had to endure three chemo port surgeries, multiple spinal taps and bone marrow biopsies which required many inpatient stays at Valley Children’s by the time he was five. Fortunately, with recent advancements in treatment, the 5-year survival rate has increased to roughly 90%.

Still, the process can be long and grueling for children and families, but Jakob put in the work, both physically and academically, that allowed him to walk the road to recovery.

Now a senior majoring in public health at Fresno State, Jakob is not, only surviving and thriving, he’s giving back. Jakob was the first member of the Survive and Thrive Squad at Valley Children’s, a group of cancer survivors that engages in various activities, including advocacy and awareness campaigns. The Squad plays a significant role in supporting and empowering patients who have survived cancer, giving them a place to share their experiences and contribute positively to similar causes.

“There is a constant joy and happiness that runs through my system, and sharing my story has been one of the greatest decisions I have made in my life,” Jakob said.

In 2023, Jakob’s story and his legacy of providing help and support to other cancer patients and survivors was celebrated broadly when he was one of 50 recipients in the U.S. to receive a $10,000 scholarship through Northwestern Mutual’s Childhood Cancer Survivor Scholarship Program. His continued community involvement with Valley Children’s and educational excellence at Frenso State are just a few of the reasons why he was selected for the scholarship, which as gone toward tuition, books, and living expenses.

Looking back on his illness and recovery, Jakob credits Valley Children’s for providing the treatment, care, and support he and his family needed to tackle the challenge of surviving childhood leukemia. “My life was saved by the wonderful doctors and nurses at Valley Children’s and I want to be able to help kids just like myself,” Jakob said.