Ep. 3: Jacob's Fight Story

Ep. 3: Jacob's Fight Story

This week marks Jacob McKenzie being one-year cancer-free. After being diagnosed with cancer in March of 2019, Jacob has endured a long and painful journey with cancer; however, his resilient spirit has never wavered. We are honoured to join Jacob on this week's episode of the Fight Club, celebrating his first cancer-free anniversary!
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As one of our Cozy by Kids Collection ambassadors, Jacob's one-year cancer-free anniversary coincides with the live POGO PJ Party this Thursday, March 31st. The live event will feature Jacob's Hoodie - and story - and a performance from Jacob's marching band group, the Burlington Teen Tour Band.
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Jacob's journey with cancer began in late 2018 when he began experiencing leg pain. Initially, Jacob brushed off the leg pain, blaming it on a "lack of exercise" - or some other reason along those lines. Eventually, though, Jacob found himself at the McMaster University Medical Centre searching for answers as the leg pain progressed.
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When the hospital let Jacob go home, he left feeling relieved - once again thinking the leg pain was nothing serious. Jacob began reverting to his happy old self, focused on getting ready to go on vacation with his family for March Break. Then, suddenly everything changed when Jacob got a phone call summoning him back to the hospital. Within only a week, they diagnosed Jacob with Osteosarcoma.
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Jacob's cancer required prompt medical treatment. Shortly thereafter, Jacob began chemotherapy. Additionally, Jacob underwent significant surgery to remove half of his pelvis.
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Quickly, Jacob's life went from a somewhat "normal" teenage life to spending his life in the hospital and needing to learn to re-walk with support. Jacob still needs crutches and/or supports to walk, which will likely continue for the rest of his life.
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Jacob's passion for music helped him get through this painful journey. Through being able to simply put in his headphones and listen to Music, Jacob tuned out his pain. Music was healing and helped Jacob get through these unimaginable times.
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Jacob's passion for music started from a young age. Primarily inspired by his great-grandfather, Jacob developed an affinity for the Saxophone. Jacob is incredibly talented. In fact, his talent secured him a spot as part of the renowned Burlington Teen Tour Band, which he has been part of for the past five years. Jacob has travelled the world, performing as part of the Teen Tour Band. The Teen Tour Band will be performing in Jacob's honour on Thursday, March 31st, at the POGO PJ Party's live event.
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Upon finishing high school this year, Jacob hopes to pursue a career in music. Specifically, Jacob hopes to produce music - he loves the thought of being able to create music. Furthermore, Jacob hopes to be able to give back to his community through a music career. Specifically, Jacob hopes to be able to run music workshops for kids in the hospital that are going through journeys similar to his own.
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Please join us in congratulating Jacob on being one-year cancer-free - what a phenomenal story! We cannot wait to continue to celebrate Jacob during the live POGO PJ Party on Thursday, March 31st. You can sign up and learn more about the event at www.pogopjparty.com. We hope to see you there!
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Jacob's Story on Apple Podcasts 
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Jacob's Story on Spotify 
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