Teen's battle continues after cancer returns

SPRING, Texas – A community has rallied behind a strong Spring teenager battling leukemia for a second time.

“All he wants for Christmas is just to be cured, he doesn’t care about gifts,” said the teen's mother, Yvette Munoz.

Sixteen-year-old Jacob Munoz deserves a Christmas miracle the most.

“It’s very hard because all he wants to do live a normal life,” she said.

Jacob started chemotherapy at the hospital and at home. His mother administers his multiple daily medications, but the symptoms have set in on Friday.

“How do you feel today?” asked our reporter.

“Good,” replied Jacob.

Doctors first diagnosed Jacob in 2015, and in January, he rang the bell that signifies he was cancer-free. Since then, he's lived like a normal teenager.

As a sophomore at Klein Cain High School, Jacob excelled on the football field.

“It’s his passion and it’s so hard because he works so hard, even when he was having headaches, when he was feeling weak,” his mother said.

PHOTOS: Operation Jacob: Jacob Munoz's cancer returns

Earlier this month, doctors said Jacob relapsed and the cancer was even more aggressive than before.

“It came back even worse than last time and now there’s cancer found in other areas that wasn’t before. Now he’s gonna need a transplant,” Yvette said.

Doctors already set the bone marrow transplant for mid-February.

Throughout his journey, "Jacob Strong" has become a movement on social media. This week, his mom made a call and people young and old posted pictures flexing their muscles.

“He reads the posts. It encourages him, gives him strength, it gives him faith,” Yvette said.

#JacobStrong: He’s only 16 years old. Jacob Munoz battles leukemia for the second time. His family praying for a Christmas miracle. Jacob’s touching story at 6 on KPRC2. Jacob's Fight

Posted by KPRC2 Cathy Hernandez on Friday, December 15, 2017

The posts gave him the strength and faith to fight cancer and to beat it.

“We know that the battle’s gonna be tough. We already know. They told us and we just need a miracle and we need all the prayers we can get," she said.

They hope Jacob can return to high school next fall.

On Sunday, a local church has organized a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Klein Cain High School. Then the community will come together for a vigil supporting Jacob.

To donate to Jacob, click here.

To follow Jacob’s journey, click here.


About the Author:

Reporter, family-oriented, sports fanatic, proud Houstonian.