Jacob
After a typical pregnancy, Jacob’s parents Tonya and Jamie were shocked to notice their newborn son Jacob’s labored breathing. When an X-ray revealed his heart was enlarged, Jacob was rushed to Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, where a team of medical experts was waiting to care for him. Jacob was soon diagnosed with Pompe Disease, a rare genetic condition that causes progressive weakness in the heart and skeletal muscles. Without diagnosis and treatment, life expectancy for babies with Pompe Disease is one year or less. The expertise and compassion of Lurie Children’s, doctors, nurses, and therapists saved Jacob’s life, and laid the foundation for a vibrant, healthy childhood. Tonya and Jamie see their son thrive in every arena of life as he continues to be followed by his medical team at Lurie Children’s. With regular life-sustaining infusions and ongoing education about his condition, Jacob remains healthy, strong, and full of energy both inside the hospital and at home. “Today, Jacob continues to beat the odds he was given. Lurie Children's is a part of our family now, and we would not have it any other way,” Tonya said.