Local

Jacksonville man creates message in the sand for dying boy

A local man is letting a dying boy know he is loved by the entire state of Florida. In honor of a 9-year-old from Maine who said all he wanted for Christmas was cards to be sent to him.

GOFUNDME: Jacob Thompson's funeral expenses

Through small smooth strokes done by a rake is how Jay Schank told us you make an extraordinary postcard.

“I wanted to make it like a live Christmas card,” said Schank.

Inch by inch with soft repetitive movements a young boy’s wish became life size. The message said, “Florida loves you Jacob. Merry Christmas.”

Doctors say Jacob Thompson has an incurable cancer; his Christmas wish was to have people around the world celebrate in the spirit of giving by sending him cards.

“He is thought of and people care for him. People love him everywhere,” said Schank.

For Schank, Jacob’s story touches close to home because he was also a very sick child.

“I know what it’s like to be a little kid and not be able to get up and run around. You’re in the hospital bed watching the other kids play, and you can’t,” said Schank.

No gesture is ever too big or small to make someone’s day just a little brighter. This unique homemade Christmas card written by hand on Amelia Island was truly made with love.

Schank told me he wanted Jacob to know he was supported all the way from the sunshine state.

“It’s a nice warm Florida day here. I know, it gets cold in Maine up there, so this is how we celebrate Christmas down here in Florida,” explained Schank.