Inspired by his doctor and care team, Jacob Pritchett gives big – to help with the little things
On Friday, September 6, Jacob Pritchett visited Prisma Health Children’s Hospital. This visit was different. No surgery, no chemo, no scans. This time, Jacob and his family were there on their own terms.
In front of his medical care team and hospital leaders, and alongside his parents Shelley and Stuart Pritchett and his sister, Jessica, Jacob presented a $200,000 gift to Prisma Health Children’s Hospital—Midlands in honor of his oncologist, Stuart Cramer, DO, and team.
“Prisma Children’s Hospital was always there for me. During my lowest moments, they took care of me physically, but what I remember is the genuine care and interest that Dr. Cramer and every other nurse and worker in the hospital took in me. When we were in the hospital for the long haul, and then when we were coming back for chemo and scans, it truly did feel we were with friends. That helped me get through it and it helped my family deal with what was a horrible situation,” Jacob shared.
Jacob is considered cancer-free five years after being diagnosed with a medulloblastoma in 2018. However, he suffered a stroke when the tumor was removed. He works hard every day to overcome the effects of cancer treatment and stroke that, in his words, ‘wreaked havoc’ on his body.
Jacob is a student at Coastal Carolina University and lives in Surfside Beach.
“I want to do my part to help all other kids out in the same situation. The minutiae of being in and out of the hospital and going through life often gets overlooked, and I want to support families in every little way possible.”
With that goal in mind, Jacob is directing his gift to CAMP KEMO Programs, an umbrella of year-round programs designed to alleviate some of the stress that children with cancer and blood disorders (and their families) experience. CAMP KEMO Programs includes programs designed to support children and teens during hospitalization, such as Toy Box, school support, meals and gas cards for families. It also includes programs that children with cancer and blood disorders can participate in outside of the hospital, such as medically safe summer camps and teen retreats.
After Jacob spoke, his medical and nursing team reflected on what he means to them.
“Jacob is my hero. I am in awe every time I see him and what he has been able to accomplish,”
Dr. Cramer said.
“Jacob was always well-mannered and polite no matter how he was feeling. His family are great people as well. You could tell he had an amazing support system away from the clinic,” said Latonia Manigo, Nurse Manager for the Gamecocks Curing Kids Cancer Clinic.
Farah Lee, one of Jacob’s regular nurses, added, “His bravery and strength were amazing to see. It’s an honor to be a part of his journey and to see him grow into an amazing young man.”
“Jacob’s incredible gift will ensure that Prisma Health Children’s Hospital can sustain and expand CAMP KEMO Programs for many years to come,” said Jeff Faw, Executive Director for Prisma Health Midlands Foundation.