Help Support Jacob’s Platoon

Nov 12, 2011

The Pork Chop Platoon has decided to celebrate its 4 year anniversary and the release of Modern Warfare 3 in a very different way this year.  We have decided to dedicate the next month to raising funds and awareness for the MDA as Mac details below in his introduction of Jacob’s Platoon [JCOB] which is followed by Damon’s letter to the clan.

Introduction to the fundraiser by PowerMacAttack

Strange as it sounds, a diagnosis is often the “easy” part when it comes to dealing with a genetic condition.  You see, after the diagnosis, well, life can continue regardless of how difficult it may be.  Breaking the news to friends and family, dealing with colleagues and neighbors, finding new ways to speak about the unspeakable and most importantly LIVING every day, never knowing what tomorrow may hold.

A good friend of mine who has Muscular Dystrophy once said to a rather uneducated coworker, “MD is what I have, NOT who I

am” and with that she continued on with her day.  It may have been matter of fact for her, but for me it was the most profound statement I had ever heard.  I have to admit that I felt guilty, knowing that the distinction up until that moment had been lost on me as well.  So I was honored when asked to write this introduction, not just because DJ and Jacob are good friends and brothers in arms, but because it gives me the chance to help others understand – a disease, of any kind, doesn’t define who a person is ever.

It is for this reason that we welcome Jacob into the Pork Chop Platoon with all of the benefits and privileges inherent with such membership.  It was also

the decision of the clan founders to change the name of the platoon to JACOB’S PLATOON for our first annual fundraiser to benefit the MDA.  The following letter is from DJ, Jacob’s father.  We ask that everyone read, understand and support our efforts and help us convey this simple message to Jacob and all those affected by MD – STAY STRONG!

 

A letter to PCP from DJLowder

Hello everyone it’s DJ, also known as Damon, and Jacob’s Dad. For those who may not know, Jacob is the youngest member of PCP and the only honorary member.  Also he’s the only under 25 member.  Now some of you are saying what the heck, man! I thought this clan was only for older gamers. Well, it is.

The overlords and others made an exception for Jacob for one reason.  Jacob has Duschennes Muscular Dystrophy. DMD (as it’s known) is classified as a progressive wasting disease. The disease is genetic and there is no cure.   Jacob has been in a wheelchair since he was 7 years old.

When I joined PCP Jacob saw me playing with all you guys, and my friends list was full whereas his was empty.  So I started asking on the forums and XBL if some guys didn’t mind if he sent them friend request.  Well it didn’t take long before several people responded, and Jacob’s friends list started filling up. I can’t remember how exactly it came about, I think I posted something in the forums a thank you to those who had befriended Jacob, but PMA and others decided to allow Jacob to become the only honorary member.

I can’t tell you the difference it’s made in his life.  Jacob has always been shy and kinda withdrawn, but thru playing with PCPer’s he’s a different kid: more assertive, and not at all shy.

For all those who have become the Jacob Platoon I can never thank you enough for the joy you’ve brought my son.  I strive to make everyday a good one for him and you make that happen everytime you send him an invite and make him one of the guys.  On XBL he’s not a kid in a wheelchair he’s a proud pig fighting to cap points kill Timmies and win games you free him from his chair everyday.  It’s hard to type with tears in my eyes but thats how strongly I feel and how much this means to us.  That’s why this is and always will be the greatest gaming clan, ever.  Not because we win every game but because were a family.  Because we care about each other as people, not as gamers.  Because at PCP you’re not just a gamertag, you’re a family member.

Do we have disagreements sometimes?  Sure (what family doesn’t?).  But, when you need them, they’re always there.  So, I hope this helps to clear some things up, and if any of you have any questions just shoot me a PM.

From my family to all my brothers and sisters in PCP: thank you so much for all you have done for Jacob and us.  With all the crap on XBL, at least in this something truly good is being done everyday.  Because everyday when a 16 year old boy in Georgia logs into XBL, he can fight, he can win, he can walk, and he can run with his friends just like everybody else. THANK YOU for that.

-Damon

 

I want to thank Damon for sharing this with us.  With each read of his letter I found tears in my eyes and an even deeper sense of respect and admiration for him as a friend and a father.  I am proud to stand side by side with him and Jacob on the virtual battlefield to share some laughs and take on the Timmies.

Below is the link to our fund raiser page that was set up by Old Velcro.  Thank you for making this happen Mick!

Donate to the MDA in Jacob’s Name

Please do not feel that you have to donate or that a contribution has to be substantial.  Every little bit helps!  Maybe you can even share this with friends and family or even display the [JCOB] clan tag to show your support.

Thank you all for making this such a special place and helping the Pig Army promote a very worthy cause.

Erik, aka mr sleestak
Proud Member of Jacob’s Platoon

Please spread the word by sharing the link below:

https://www.joinmda.org/MyLockup/MyHomepage/tabid/251744/Participant/mickvoelker/Default.aspx