Jacob. R. Thompson
On Nov. 8, Wieden Gymnasium hosted the UMPI basketball season’s opening ceremony, Midnight Madness. During the opening ceremony, UMPI as a family helped one little boy’s Christmas wish come true.
Jacob. R. Thompson was a 9-year-old Maine boy. He was diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma when he was 5 years old. His favorite holiday was Christmas. Many people were moved by his story to upload videos of their friends and families singing holiday carols to the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital Facebook page.
“We all think of them. We hope his family and he have a Merry Christmas.” Dan Kane, athletic director/ men’s basketball head coach, offered these words to Jacob in the opening speech.
Then the UMPI family joined in to give Jacob best wishes and optimism for the future. UMPI members together sang “Jingle Bells” for Jacob and his friends at the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital at the Maine Medical Center.
“This is a great opportunity to wish the young boy–who can go through a very hard time–wish he has a very happy Christmas,” Trevor Parent, women’s soccer head coach, said. He took part in singing “Jingle Bells” and he also sent best wishes to Jacob.
Jacob and his family celebrated Christmas—their last together–on Nov. 12, 2017. As all friends wished, they had a pleasant Christmas. Unfortunately, a week later, Jacob’s optimism and smiling disappeared from the world. He died on Nov. 19, 2017.
Jacob spent nearly half of his life fighting cancer. But in his short life, he touched many with his smiles and optimism. Despite the pain that his loss leaves in the hearts of many, they are thankful that his physical pain is over. And they are thankful for the gifts that he left with them.
