The parents of a nine-year-old boy with neuroblastoma have celebrated Christmas together, as he has been given just a month to live.
Neuroblastoma commonly affects young children, with Jacob Thompson confined to a children's hospital in Maine, USA, since he was diagnosed with a tumour in October.
Jacob and his family have been tragically forced to celebrate an early Christmas. However, the family are not alone in their struggle with the terminal illness.
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His parents, Michelle and Roger, appealed for strangers to send in cards to their son ahead of their Christmas Day and received over 60,000 responses.
The little boy has been photographed working his way through piles of cards and presents.
The Facebook page Jacob Thompson's Journey, which posts updates of his fight against the illness, explained in a recent post: "Words can't express our immense gratitude for the joy that so many people from all over the world have brought Jacob.
Credit: Jacob Thompson's Journey
"As of Thursday, Jacob had received 66,000 Christmas cards and he's truly enjoyed reading them. On Sunday, we will celebrate Christmas as a family in a special way thanks to all of you
"We sincerely hope that Jacob has inspired everybody to #LiveLikeAPenguin. Merry early Christmas from our family to you."
Jacob spent 'Christmas Eve' with his dog, Piper.
Credit: Jacob Thompson's Journey
A recent Facebook post read: "It's extra cold in Portland, Maine tonight, but these two are keeping warm. Piper's visit makes this evening extra special - Jacob has missed her so much.
"Sweet dreams, friends. Tomorrow is Christmas Day."
You can also donate to a GoFundMe page for him here.
Featured Image Credit: Jacob Thompson's JourneyTopics: Christmas, World News, US News, Cancer, USA