Meet Jacobi Matthis: Battling Sickle Cell Anemia, but thankful for Piedmont Columbus Regional staff

COLUMBUS, GA (WTVM) – News Leader 9 is spotlighting several children who have been impacted by Piedmont Columbus Regional.

Jacobi Mathis 16, has been in and out of the hospital his whole life. Jacobi was born with a blood disorder known as Sickle Cell Anemia, which is a painful illness.

"Basically he went to the hospital on and off every two or three months and would stay like a week or so. Just very bad pain crisis-where he's crying and praying and everything about this pain. He's had a pretty rough time," Jacobi's mom said, Keta Sumbry.

Jacobi say because of their frequent visits to Piedmont Columbus Regional Hospital they often find themselves there during special occasions and holidays.  They both have fond memories of the nurses going above and beyond on Jacobi's 5th birthday.

"They had ordered the cake, they had gifts and everything," she said. "The nurses are awesome. They treat him like he's one of their own."

There is no cure for Sickle Cell Anemia so Jacobi knows it's just a matter of time before he finds himself back at Piedmont Columbus Regional, but he and his mom both say they are grateful to have such loving doctors and nurses who work so hard to help him manage his illness.

"I want to thank them for taking care of me when I was sick and for always helping me out," Jacobi said.

Starting on Aug. 22 Piedmont Columbus Regional will host a Mediathon to benefit the local Children's Miracle Network. If you would like to donate to this great cause, click here. 

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