Jacob Abraham's Memory Lives on Through Community Donations

The Oak Forest community has once again rallied together to honor the memory of Jacob Abraham, who lost his battle with childhood rhabdomyosarcoma in 2016. His mother, Megan, took charge and organized a toy drive to celebrate Jacob's tenth birthday and collect his favorite toys for the Treasure Chest Foundation. Some of the businesses that pitched in were Nicky V's Beef and Dogs and Kelly's Healing Touch Massage. The result of their kindness and Meghan’s determination was an astounding 4900 items, including coloring books, crayons, play dough, and toys, alongside $1,085 in gift cards and $1,650. All these items were collected to help children like Jacob in their fight against cancer.

This birthday tradition has been going strong for eight years, and in that time, they've collected an impressive 19,432 items, $4,710 in gift cards, and $9,450 to benefit the Treasure Chest Foundation. The community's big heart is sure to bring smiles to countless young faces.

Jacob’s mother Meghan Abraham said Jacob loved the Treasure Chest at Advocate Hope Children’s Hospital. “The Treasure Chest helped Jacob get through painful visits while undergoing treatment for cancer. He would play for hours with play dough, coloring books, and crayons. He enjoyed the smaller toys and never picked a large toy out of the Treasure Chest. The Treasure Chest Foundation is part of our family. We will continue to do this every year to celebrate Jacob’s birthday and give back.”

Executive Director of the Treasure Chest, Kendra Connor, expressed her heartfelt thanks to Meghan and her loved ones for their unwavering support. "I am absolutely blown away by the generosity of Meghan and the people who donate in memory of Jacob. We owe them a debt of gratitude," she said. “While yesterday was a day of mixed emotions, marked by sadness for Meghan and the family’s loss, it was also filled with appreciation for her kindness and devotion to the Treasure Chest Foundation.”

The POTCF is a unique organization whose services impact more than 16,100 young cancer patients in cancer treatment centers in 21 states across the nation and in the District of Columbia. The Treasure Chest Foundation accepts donations of new toys, books, and gift cards to help support the mission of providing comfort and distraction from painful procedures to children and teens who have been diagnosed with cancer.

If you would like further information about the Treasure Chest Foundation, please contact Kendra Connor at 1-708-687-TOYS (8697) or visit the Foundation’s website at www.treasurechest.org.