Image: Jeremiah Jacobs of Huntersville (second from right) and his family met Robert F. Smith through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. “MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION” by The Charlotte Post
Thousands of children struggle with the effects of critical illnesses every day. Between the doctor visits and regular at-home and inpatient treatments, both enjoying life to the fullest and just being a regular kid can seem almost impossible. However, many organizations try to do their part to improve the lives of these children, including Make-A-Wish.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation sets out to grant wishes to those fighting critical illnesses to bring moments of joy to their lives. While many children choose their wish to be a fun vacation or a coveted trip, some take a different approach. Jeremiah Jacobs from Huntersville, NC, for example, decided that his wish would be fulfilled if he had the opportunity to meet his inspiration and idol, Robert F. Smith.
About Jeremiah’s Story
Jeremiah is one of four children in his family. Out of the four Jacobs children, three of them have been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. Jeremiah was diagnosed at 13, shortly after his older brother, Ivan. Their younger sister, Jayla, was diagnosed at the age of six, leaving their brother Frank as the only Jacobs child without cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease that causes severe damage to the lungs and also to the digestive system of a person.
Jeremiah, now 18, has a positive outlook on life and what the future holds. He wants to make the most of his life, especially for his family, and go into business. That is why, when Make-A-Wish asked Jeremiah what he wanted his wish to be, he told them that meeting Smith was his dream.
“I chose to meet Robert F. Smith because I just saw his interviews and his podcasts online, and I looked at him and… thought, well, I can truly learn something from him that can actually make, well, what some would call a short life really worthwhile,” said Jacobs. “I was like, if I can learn strategies from this man that he implemented throughout his life, and I can implement them throughout my life, I can possibly make everyone in my family have a better life and make everyone see I’d have a better life if I truly do it the right way.”
Meeting Smith
Make-A-Wish Central and Western North Carolina, Maggiano’s Little Italy and Belk hosted a surprise for Jeremiah to reveal his wish. He thought he was just going to a graduation party when he was greeted with a new suit and the trip of a lifetime.
In June 2023, Jeremiah, along with his family, flew to New York City, where his wish came true. Not only did Jeremiah get to meet Smith, but he was also given the opportunity to job shadow him to see what “a day in the life” was really like as Founder, CEO and Chairman of a leading global investment firm. This included going out to lunch as well as attending a board meeting.
Jeremiah learned so much from the invaluable experience and has high hopes for the future. Yet he was not the only one who was grateful for the experience.
“I just want to thank Make-A-Wish, and I definitely want to thank Robert F. Smith and anyone associated with any division of Make-A-Wish that made this possible for my children because all of them have had a wish come true,” said Kim Jacobs, Jeremiah’s mom.
Make-A-Wish’s Impact on Children
Jeremiah’s story is just one of the many of children suffering great hardship whose Make-A-Wish dreams have come true. The organization has granted over half a million wishes since its inception. Yet, the impact can be felt beyond just a child’s happiness. Out of the children whose wishes were granted, it is reported that 90% of these individuals said that the wish improved their quality of life, brought their family closer together, boosted their self-esteem and gave them hope for the future. In addition, the doctors treating these patients provided overwhelmingly positive feedback, with more than 95% of these doctors reporting that the wish improved their patients’ emotional and physical well-being.
You can stay up to date with all events and initiatives Smith is involved in by following him on LinkedIn. And see all the great things Make-A-Wish is doing by visiting its Facebook page.
