Advertisement

Youth fights condition, sees success in school

Error message

  • Warning: array_merge(): Expected parameter 1 to be an array, bool given in _simpleads_render_ajax_template() (line 133 of /home/pdccourier/www/www/sites/all/modules/simpleads/includes/simpleads.helper.inc).
  • Notice: Trying to get property 'settings' of non-object in _simpleads_adgroup_settings() (line 343 of /home/pdccourier/www/www/sites/all/modules/simpleads/includes/simpleads.helper.inc).
  • Warning: array_merge(): Expected parameter 1 to be an array, bool given in _simpleads_render_ajax_template() (line 157 of /home/pdccourier/www/www/sites/all/modules/simpleads/includes/simpleads.helper.inc).
  • Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in include() (line 24 of /home/pdccourier/www/www/sites/all/modules/simpleads/templates/simpleads_ajax_call.tpl.php).

Jacob Kazynski

By Correne Martin

Student of the month recognition is a tradition at many schools these days. All good students have a shot at being acknowledged. But, when seventh grader Jacob Kazynski was named one of five students of the month at La Crosse Aquinas Middle School for May, it was more than just a great accomplishment, it was a small miracle.

Jacob, the son of Joe and Shanen Kazynski, of Holmen, was born with Pierre Robin sequence, a condition that causes a smaller than normal lower jaw, a tongue that falls back in the throat, repeated ear infections, a cleft palate on the roof of his mouth and difficulty breathing.

According to his grandmother, Dorothy Baures, of Prairie du Chien, the family was also told that another issue with Pierre Robin sequence is a general failure to thrive.

Until he was 7 months old, Jacob was fed every two hours, propped at a 30-degree angle, because of the issues with his mouth. He slept in an infant sling, also at an angle, and has endured numerous surgeries, including setbacks, throughout his young life.

Once Jacob became school aged, he performed OK as a student but he struggled. Being tardy and bullied were regular problems he battled.

In recent years, his family was able to secure Jacob a sponsor and get him into school at Aquinas. And that appears to have been the difference maker.

His grandma said, thanks to all of those at the school who’ve directed him in this journey, Jacob has begun to thrive. He’s no longer tardy, he’s joined the Boys and Girls Club, he’s taken up tennis and he loves music and computers.

“He’s really matured too and he’s just so kind,” his grandma said.

Seeing this potential in Jacob, the family looks forward to what he may achieve in his future.

Rate this article: 
No votes yet