Overcoming Adversity – Jacob Krause

Posted by Gabe on May 24, 2010 under Kids are Heroes | Read the First Comment

Last week I told you about Ricky Springer, and how he overcomes adversity to become a hero. We have several heroes who have had their own crosses to bear and yet have flourished and helped others at the same time. Well this morning I was sent a video by Jacob’s Dad, a young boy who suffers from Ulcerative Colitis. This one becomes personal to me, as I myself have this same affliction.

From his dad:

“…on behalf of the Crohn’s/Colitis Foundation of America – Jacob was asked to represent Maryland on World IBD Day in seeking the co-sponsorship of the IBD Research & Awareness act (S.981, H.R.2275) up for vote this summer. This provides $35B in IBD research over a 5 yr period to include a key focus on pediatrics. He spoke with the offices of Sens. Cardin (D-MD), Mikulski (D-MD), Rep. Dan Maffei (D-NY) and E. Cummings (D-MD) – after his speech, there wasn’t a dry eye in the place – we are SO proud of him and his brother Alex who couldn’t have represented us better! In fact, Rep. Maffei’s office asked for a copy of the speech to show to constituents in support of the bill. Feel free to write your legislators in support of the bill!”

Here is the video of Jacob giving his speech.

Michael Eckstorm said,

I am deeply impressed and moved, Jacob, about how brave you hold up … and I know how hard this must be ever so often.

I pray you will always find that extra bit of strength that will bring you through tough times. And I am so glad that you hve the love and support of your family, because love is the energy that we “recharge our battries” with, and gives us the power to make it through.

Your campaign of raising awareness and research money is awesome. It’s people like you who make a difference, and who may help to make things happen that are so much needed, but not enough know about them.

I knew a kid of 13 years, who suffered from Crohn’s disease. His name was Kel (short for Kelvin). Sadly, he died last year (although not due to his disease, but by a tragic accident). Kel had to go through many ordeals in his life, Crohn’s being one of them, but he made it through so much. He was small and skinny (due to Crohn’s) but he had so much inner strength, and he did not give up hope.

You are very much like Kel, Jacob, and I know that Kel would appreciate so much what you are doing, and what you are trying to achieve. I believe that good things will happen, due to your initiative, and so, let me close this message with one of Kels’s signature sentences:

You’ll make it,you’ll see!

Greetings from Germany,
~Michael
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