Jacob Thompson, a terminally ill boy whose request went viral for homemade Christmas cards to celebrate what would be his last Christmas early, died Sunday after receiving thousands of cards from around the world.
Nine-year-old Jacob entered the hospital Oct. 11 after doctors discovered many new tumors and growths on his body, The Washington Post reported. They told his parents there was nothing else they could do to stop the disease.
Jacob's parents posted that their son wanted homemade Christmas cards for an early Christmas celebration, and the post went viral. Soon, thousands of cards and gifts poured in to Jacob's room at Barbara Bush Children's Hospital in Portland, Maine, from all over the world.
In addition, after learning Jacob liked penguins, Connecticut's Mystic Aquarium arranged for him to hold a real one, and his affinity for police officers led hundreds of officers to process from Boston to his hospital in Maine, NBC Chicago reported.
Jacob's parents decorated his hospital room for Christmas and arranged a visit from Santa, the Post reported. They celebrated Christmas on Nov. 12, a week before he died.
"Each and every person who sent Jacob a Christmas Card, a gift, a Facebook message or video, or a prayer made a difference in the final days of his life," Jacob's parents posted on his Facebook page, adding that there are many others like him who also need help.
The family suggested well-wishers who want to donate do so at Operation Gratitude (a military charity), a penguin rescue group, or do something in their own communities.
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