It’s been just over a year since 15-year-old Jacob Lesperance’s life changed forever.
“It was just like a normal day at school and I just sort of blacked out on the floor,” said Jacob Lesperance.
Doctors found the Moose Jaw, Sask., teen had stage four brain cancer and needed surgery to save his life.
Jacob’s mom Michelle Lesperance said doctors originally thought her son might have been on drugs because of his dizzied nature, but head scans showed that was not the case.
“Your son has a mandarin orange-size brain tumor and needs to be flown to Saskatoon immediately,” said Michelle Lesperance, recounting what the doctors told her.
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Doctors warned Michelle that Jacob was in life-threatening condition and the outcome didn’t look good.
“They told me he might not make it through the plane ride,” said Michelle Lesperance.
But he did. He also survived two brain surgeries, rounds of radiation and chemotherapy.
On Friday afternoon, Saskatoon Make-A-Wish granted Jacob’s wish, a Best Buy shopping spree.
“It’s been really exciting. Just being able to have this happen. Honestly, our family never really had that much money to get this much stuff,” said Jacob.
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He was also surprised with a few more things including limo service to and from Preston Best Buy, dinner at his favorite restaurant and a stay at the Radisson Hotel downtown.
“I was like, wow, because that was literally my first time being in a hotel,” said Jacob.
Jacob loves electronics and picked out a new flat screen television, laptop, PlayStation and games.
His friends from school and the hospital made the trip to support him.
Jacob’s mom says the day was even more special because in March the family received the news they’d been praying for.
“On March 8, he got a follow up MRI and on March 18 we found out he was cancer free,” said Michelle Lesperance.
Jacob is Saskatchewan’s fourth Make-A-Wish granted this year.
“We hope during wish day we can bring them hope, strength and joy. Let them just forget about their medical condition, being in the hospital and treatments. Just let them enjoy, be happy and be a kid again,” said Allyson Wall, Make-A-Wish Saskatchewan regional manager.
Jacob will continue to have follow-up appointments until 2021, but for now he is most looking forward to going back to school in the fall and completing Grade 9.
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