PUYALLUP, Wash. - Nestled in a Puyallup cul-de-sac, Jacob Waggoner and his family are living in his sister's house. A small upstairs bedroom is now their home. It's not the life they'd hoped for.
"We had so much planned," said Selam Waggoner as she fights back tears.
The Waggoners downsized last month after receiving the diagnosis, Jacob has terminal brain cancer.
"They gave me six months to live," he said.
Those in his Marine unit say it almost seems cruel. Jacob survived a tour in Iraq as a reservist. He made it back home, married Selam and had Bella, who's now almost 2. Then last November, he began having seizures. Around the same time, Selam found out she was pregnant.
"I was concerned about my family definitely and how I'm going to take care of them in the future," said Jacob.
Jacob's Marine brothers are now mobilizing to make certain Jacob's family is cared for.
"You wouldn't leave your brother to die in a house fire," said Joshua Penner. "We're not going to let Jake struggle, we're going to help him out."
Jacob has decided that instead of chemotherapy, he's treating his cancer through a strict raw, organic diet.
"It seems to be working," said his wife. "He's gone from one seizure a week to one every few weeks."
He wants to be there for his daughters - both of them.
"We're thinking the name Faith," said Selam.
The next 5 months will be a test of faith for the Waggoners. Jacob says no matter what doctors say, his resolve is strong. He wants to be able to see his unborn daughter's face.
"Life is fragile and if I was to pass away you know I want to make sure my family is OK," he said.
Jake's Marine unit has set up a Web site called http://www.jakesfund.com where you can donate. They've also set up a trust account at Bank of America under the "Waggoner Trust Fund."
To add a comment, please register or login.