When Derek Jacobsen was born three months early, doctors gave him a 20% chance of surviving his first seven days of life.
Jacobsen has continued to beat the odds over the years, finding a unique appreciation for life through his hardships. After celebrating his 19th birthday this month, Jacobsen will mark another milestone as he graduates from Windsor High School on May 26.
Born three months early at UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital, Jacobsen weighed 2 pounds and 7 ounces. He quickly became sicker than anybody could have anticipated, recalled his mother, Julia Jacobsen.
At 12 hours old, Derek’s lungs collapsed and he had to undergo surgery.
Once stabilized, doctors intubated Derek and placed him on a ventilator called an oscillator, which gave him 600 breaths per minute. He was one of the first babies out of Poudre Valley Hospital to be placed on an oscillator.
Derek and his family then spent the first six months of his life at a children’s hospital, where he underwent several surgeries. These included the insertion of a feeding tube and a trach tube, which helps oxygen reach the lungs through an opening into the trachea.
“We had several doctors that told us that he probably wouldn’t survive the next seven days of life. He had a 20% chance,” Julia said. “And here he is.”
After six months of defying all odds, Derek, still relying on a ventilator, a feeding tube and a trach tube, finally went home on full life support. During this time, he spent more time in the hospital than his home, Julia said.
Dr. Vaughan Hanson, a pediatrics specialist, visited the Jacobsens’ home with his nurse every few weeks to keep Derek out of the community so he could stay healthy.
After months of home visits, Derek reached his first birthday. But two weeks later, Hanson spotted a tumor on the 1-year-old’s liver and diagnosed him with cancer.
Julia called Hanson a “lifesaver” for finding the mass. Hanson said Derek and his parents are the real heroes of the story — of which he feels blessed to be a small part.
“Medical professionals help, and they certainly do provide a lot of good guidance and care but … it’s the children and the families that do the hard work,” Hanson said.
Derek received eight months of chemotherapy and had half of his liver removed in a liver resection surgery. In January 2007, Derek went into remission and he began a six-month journey of weaning off all the medical life support he had been on his entire life.
Over the next few years, Derek had routine checkups and hospital visits. He has had a total of 20 surgeries in his life — most transpiring before he started middle school.
Derek said he’s developed medical post-traumatic stress disorder, which can be triggered by certain smells or sights such as needles. He recalls having nightmares as a child about being under such intense care.
He has since learned to cope with the trauma and to keep a positive outlook on life.
Hanson believes his former patient has a purpose to fulfill as he readies himself to take off in life.
“Just to be able to help him truly, to me, was a privilege … and not at all work,” Hanson said. “I was lucky enough to be able to help him and his family in this journey.”
Adversity turns into purpose
As Derek’s graduation approaches and Julia has looked through old photos of Derek’s early childhood — in the hospital, on life support and going through chemotherapy — she can’t help but wonder how their family got through it all.
The Jacobsens stuck by their son’s side with gratefulness, not bitterness, and remained gracious, kind and thoughtful throughout Derek’s health scares, Hanson said. Their character and their faith kept them going through the tough times.
Derek’s fight for survival also brought the family closer together all while making Derek the man he is today, Julia said.
“This whole family has worked hard to help him survive, but he’s worked the hardest,” she said. “He’s the one that had to have the will and the fight.”
Julia feels proud of Derek’s character after everything he’s been through. He has developed strong core values, has been a great brother to his sister and has continued to make good choices and stay out of trouble.
“He’s grown in adversity,” Julia said. “A lot of other kids could have gone the other way and felt sorry for themselves. But the adversity just made him a lot stronger.”
Ready for what comes next
As Derek approaches graduation, Julia feels anxious about seeing her son’s next chapter unfold. Derek, meanwhile, looks forward to focusing on his career.
“When you’re not supposed to make it past the first couple of days of your life and you’re graduating, it’s definitely an amazing thing to feel,” he said. “I still don’t believe it’s real.”
A bright future awaits Derek, who will pursue structural welding, which involves creating metal frameworks for buildings, bridges and other infrastructure.
Derek’s grandfather, who worked as a welder for about 60 years, ignited Derek’s passion for the craft about four years ago. His fascination grew when he received a two-year, full-ride scholarship into the welding program at Aims Community College.
Derek’s mother calls him “gifted” as a welder, adding he’s been at the top of his class at Aims for the past two years. As he celebrates the completion of his Aims program and prepares to say goodbye to high school, he feels set for life with his career path.
“It’s definitely something I want to do for the rest of my life,” he said.
Rebecca Jardine, who served as Derek’s advisory teacher at Windsor High School throughout all four years, described him as determined and motivated for success.
Jardine has seen hundreds of students come into high school with ideas on what they want to do in the future. Derek has set his mind on a career and dedicated himself to his chosen path, Jardine said.
Derek currently works as a welder, almost full-time. After graduating, he hopes to continue working for his current company or to travel to different states with his trade.
So, come graduation, Derek will be prepared for that next chapter, Jardine believes.
“He has dreams and goals, but he’s making those dreams and goals come true,” Jardine said. “It’s really heartwarming to see that he’s persevered and he has proven everybody wrong.”
Derek and his mom agree his health journey has made him into a person who believes life is precious and that nothing should be taken for granted. As a survivor, Derek appreciates every moment because “you never know when cancer will knock at your door,” he said.
Derek hopes his story inspires people to overcome their own obstacles in life — an effect he’s already had on those closest to him.
“He’s my hero,” Julia said.
