The Bench to be Dedicated in Memory of Jacob Thompson on Saturday, November 17th at 11:32 am.  The Plaque Reads:  “Live Like a Penguin.”

A View of the Back of the Bench to be Dedicated Saturday. It Looks Out Toward Casco Bay.

The public is invited to attend the dedication of a bench in memory of Jacob Thompson, 9,  on the Eastern Promenade Playground (near Turner Street) on Saturday, November 17th at 11:32 am. according to a press release issued by Captain John Brennan of the Portland Fire Department.

Firefighters from the Munjoy Hill Firehouse became aware of 9 year old Jacob Thompson’s story after he gained nationwide attention for requesting Christmas cards to celebrate his favorite holiday when Doctor’s informed his family that he would not live to see Christmas last year as a result of his neuroblastoma diagnosis (a rare form of cancer) that affects mostly children. The outpouring of support resulted in Jacob’s receiving Christmas cards from all over the world while he was a patient at Maine Medical Center, the Barbara Bush Children’s Section.

After Jacob passed away, the firefighters from the Munjoy Hill Firehouse learned that Jacob and his father used to visit the Eastern Promenade Playground.  His father’s dream was to someday place a memorable bench there in his son’s memory.  It was very obvious to the firefighters that this playground meant a lot to Jacob’s father and they decided that they wanted to assist in making the dream become a reality.

Munjoy Hill firefighters partnered with the Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization and set up a GoFundMe page in early April. By early June enough money had been raised to purchase the bench and a plaque.  Portland Parks and Recreation assisted with completing the application for the memorial bench program.

The MHNO will be hosting the dedication.

NOTE:  The time of the dedication is set for 11:32 am because 32 was Jacob’s favorite number.