The Joy of Jacob: A Celebration of Jacob's Life

Saturday, November 17, 2012

A Celebration of Jacob's Life

Please join us as we celebrate the life of the strongest and most inspiring little man, our sweet angel Jacob.

Tuesday, November 20th, 2012

Celebration of Life Memorial -- 10:30 am

Hope Center
2275 Morello Avenue
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
* Corner of Taylor Blvd. and Morello Ave.
(925) 685-4673

All family and friends are welcome. Reception immediately following at the same location.

Private Graveside Burial - Time to be determined
Family only

Queen of Heaven Cemetery - Holy Innocents area
1965 Reliez Valley Road
Lafayette, CA 94549

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the National Niemann-Pick Disease Foundation in memory of Jacob Lee Brooks. Click here to donate.

5 comments:

Eileen LinzerNovember 19, 2012 at 3:51 AM
thinking of you guys so much!! love and strength to you to get through the coming days, especially tomorrow. xoxo, eileen, brett, quinn, colin & reid
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Cathy JohnsonNovember 19, 2012 at 5:54 AM
Sarah and Josh - may the love of all who carry Jacob in our hearts give you strength and comfort to carry you and your family through these difficult days. Thinking of you. xoxo
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AnonymousNovember 19, 2012 at 2:00 PM
Sending love and hugs to you all.
Thank you for sharing your amazing little man with the rest of us.
Like with many others following your story, I will be there in spirit tomorrow as you celebrate his life...surrounded by love.
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AnonymousNovember 20, 2012 at 7:55 AM
Sarah and Josh,
With you in spirit today. Jacob will forever be in my heart. May God give you strenghth and peace. Your angel will always be beside you.
Much love.
Teresa Chavez and family
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AnonymousNovember 20, 2012 at 5:57 PM
Sarah, Josh & kelly family. Thank you so much for letting me be apart of your family. I have never felt so much love. I love all of you guys so much. Amanda. Crosby
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Niemann-Pick Disease

Niemann-Pick Disease is a lysosomal storage disease, which causes fatty substances called lipids to collect in the cells of the liver, spleen and brain. The disease is genetically-inherited, but it is considered a recessive trait. In order for a child to have Niemann-Pick Disease, both parents must be carriers of a genetic mutation causing Niemann-Pick. There are three main types of Niemann-Pick Disease -- Types A, B and C. Types A and B are also referred to as acid sphingomyelinase deficiency (ASMD).

Genetic testing revealed that Jacob had Niemann-Pick Disease type A/B (also referred to as an intermediate form), which is a combination of the most severe and the least severe form of the disease. His body produced a very minimal (3%) amount of an enzyme called acid sphingomyelinase (ASM), which helps break down fat. Since Jacob’s body didn’t produce much of this enzyme, his body had great difficulty getting rid of ASM. The sphingomyelin had nowhere to go so it accumulated in his cells, eventually causing cell death and the malfunction of major organ systems.

Those with Type A typically live to be only 2 to 4 years of age, whereas, patients with NPB generally have little or no neurologic involvement and may survive into adulthood, though there may be health complications. Type B individuals usually have enlarged livers and spleens, and respiratory problems are common. The enlargement of organs and the respiratory problems can cause cardiovascular stress. With Jacob, it was unknown what the exact progression of his disease would be. Shortly after Jacob's diagnosis, it became apparent that his disease was presenting in a more aggressive form and he did have neurologic impact. There are approximately 1,200 cases of type A and B worldwide with the majority being Type B. Unfortunately, there is currently no treatment or cure for the disease and care is mostly supportive.

The Joy of Jacob

Saturday, November 17, 2012

A Celebration of Jacob's Life

5 comments:

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