From Patient to Board Member - Brendan Jacobson Gives Back

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Mar. 8, 2018) – Eighth grade field trips aren't usually memorable or life-changing, but one trip in particular was both for Brendan Jacobson.

His class went ice skating at the Lexington Ice Center, where he and his classmates spent the afternoon skating, racing and, more often than not, falling on the ice.

Jacobson took a spill on the ice as a classmate skated toward him. The classmate couldn't stop in time, and the front of his ice skate went into the side of Jacobson's head.

Jacobson was transported to Lexington's St. Joseph Hospital, where doctors stitched him up. Later the doctors did a CAT scan where they found a fragment of Jacobson's skull was pushing in the side of his brain. Without the necessary specialists and equipment available at St. Joseph's, Jacobson was sent to Kentucky Children's Hospital (KCH).

"When I got to the hospital, I believe it was full," said Jacobson. "I remember sitting in the middle of the hallway on a bed. Everyone made me feel so comfortable, and I had no doubt that I would be taken care of."

The surgery was successful, and Jacobson still bears a titanium mesh plate on the left side of his head. He lauds the doctors, nurses, and staff for their medical expertise, and the attention he received while he recovered.

Years after the incident, Jacobson, now the president of NetGain Technologies in Lexington, wants to give back. He joined the Kentucky Children's Hospital executive council in 2017, and assists with fundraising campaigns for facility updates and expansion, physician research, and community outreach.

"Brendan approached me about becoming more involved with KCH," said Bo Cofield, chief clinical operating officer of UK HealthCare. "It was clear from the outset that Brendan had a desire to impact KCH at a higher level. He and his family are pillars in the community, and he is in the unique position to help engage with a younger group of professionals as we recruit and retain supporters of KCH."

Jacobson wants young patients to know that they are not defined by their injuries or illness, and that the treatment they receive at KCH will help them to be healthier and stronger.

"I am forever grateful to the staff and doctors who helped me get through a very tough time…hopefully my story will be an inspiration to other children that things can get better and they can accomplish great things in life. I want them to know that."