A Michigan family is celebrating the gift of life for their son, Jakob Perez, who required not one but five organ transplants. Known as a light to everyone who meets him, 9-year-old Jakob has faced significant health challenges with an unwavering spirit.
“He has lots of friends. He loves our community and he’s kind of the neighborhood Mr. Rogers,” Jakob’s mother, Michaela Perez, shared.
Jakob suffers from a rare disease called microvillus inclusion, which prevents his body from absorbing nutrients. According to Mickaela, fewer than 100 people worldwide are affected by this condition. “He can eat and drink, but nothing gets absorbed into his system. So, he has been on IV nutrition for his entire life,” she explained, told The Mirror.
Due to his condition, Jakob needed several organ transplants, including a new stomach, large intestine, small intestine, liver, and pancreas. Doctors specified that these organs had to come from a single donor, a child around Jakob’s size. After nine years of praying for a miracle, the family finally received the call they had been waiting for.
“They called us Monday afternoon and said, ‘We have a match, and we need you to get to Pittsburgh,’” Mickaela Perez recounted. Jakob and his family immediately traveled to Pittsburgh, and he underwent the life-saving surgery on Wednesday.
“It’s been surreal. I mean we were getting to the point where we weren’t sure it was ever going to happen. We tried to prepare for it as best we could,” said Joshua Perez, Jakob’s father.
Throughout Jakob’s medical journey, people from all over the country have showered him with prayers and love. Mickaela has shared updates online, keeping followers informed and engaged.
The Perez family wants to emphasize the critical importance of organ donation at any age. They are profoundly grateful for the donor who made Jakob’s transplants possible. “We just want to say thank you. That’s not even adequate, but just thank you. And I hope that one day we get to meet you and that please know that we will cherish this gift of life for an eternity,” Mickaela expressed.
A special benefit for Jakob is scheduled to be held at the Chesaning Conservation Club on August 24. The event aims to support the Perez family and celebrate Jakob’s new lease on life.
Jakob’s story is a powerful reminder of the life-changing impact of organ donation and the resilience of a young boy who has inspired an entire community.