Jacob Sowers
Jacob’s mother was surprised when her doctor recommended they travel 70 miles to Jacksonville for a checkup. She quickly understood when her doctor in Brunswick told her that Jacob had the largest tumor he had ever felt.
Jacob was a healthy boy. He was even big for his age. So when Jacob could not keep anything down more than 1 green bean, his mother was instantly concerned.
Jacob came to Wolfson Children’s Hospital in August 2001. It was here that he would be diagnosed with a Wilms’ tumor (a type of kidney cancer found in children). Jacob underwent surgery to remove the tumor, and the kidney it had affected, before starting chemo.
Wolfson Children’s Hospital specializes in children. Not just medically, but mentally and emotionally. Being in the hospital is scary for children. And nothing is worse than being in a scary place with no distractions. The staff at Wolfson Children’s Hospital specializes in distractions; entertainment to be more accurate.
Children treated have the benefit of child life specialists, playrooms, games, activities, Art with a Heart and more. Because a child’s recovery is more than just medicine.
Melinda, Jacob’s mom, was also thankful for how accommodating the staff was. Melinda spent every night with Jacob and the staff did everything to make her as comfortable as possible.
A year later Melinda’s job would relocate the family to Jacksonville, and that makes them feel a bit of relief. They feel safer knowing that they can have their follow ups at Wolfson Children’s Hospital and Nemours Children’s Clinic without having to drive so far.
