Jakob, age 9

Dear Make-A-Wish,

We sincerely thank you for granting Jakob’s wish to train dolphins and for our trip to Orlando, Florida in October. Our trip was terrific, seamless and one that our family will never forget. Our entire family enjoyed it – even Jakob’s 6-month-old brother, John.

Our day at Discovery Cove was absolutely amazing. Jakob, his brother James, and his father were trainers for a day and are still talking about it. SeaWorld and Disney’s Animal Kingdom were wonderful, from the marine-animal shows to the African safari. Our boys equally had fun swimming at the resort’s pool and making new friends.

Jakob’s struggles with his cancer have been long and hard, yet throughout it, he has been a source of inspiration. In April 2004, Jakob was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of three. While still undergoing treatment, he relapsed with his cancer reappearing in his central nervous system. In all, Jakob endured more than four straight years of constant chemotherapy treatments. Jakob further braved radiation treatment to his head.

Jakob is passionate about animals and hopes to be a veterinarian when he grows up. While sequestered for his illness, Jakob dreamed of working with animals and other outdoor activities, such as swimming, which he was precluded from doing. He took the initiative on his own to ask for his wish, and throughout his four and a half years of chemotherapy and other treatment for leukemia, Jakob looked forward to having his wish granted. It truly was one of the beacons of light that kept his hopes up. Indeed, he persisted in pursuing his wish, and it came true thanks to you. The trip was a significant milestone for our whole family and a wonderful chapter in our lives.

Thank you, again. Submitted by Jakob’s parents, Peter and Jamie

Jakob and his brother James also provided drawings and letters about Jakob's wish! See the slideshow below!