Doc Jacobs, a medically-retired Navy Corpsman, may have lost his left leg in Iraq but the Sand Diego native has never lost his spirit.
In fact, at age 34 he has already accomplished more than most people do in a lifetime. Listen to his inspiring story below:
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Video credit: Rumble
“I love being active because of that inspiration it gives other people. I know a lot of people, especially new amputees, that I come across, they think that their time is up,” said Doc.
Doc was in the service for only 18 months when his platoon got hit by an IED explosion.
After 78 surgeries, he lost his left leg (below the knee) as well as three toes on his right foot and three partial fingers on his left hand.
But that didn’t mean his service to his country was done.
“It’s so life-altering, but it’s not life-ending.”
Doc managed to make it as the first amputee Corpsman assigned to an infantry unit and in the process made US Naval and Marine Corps history.
“I did another six-and-a-half years overall, from detonation to discharge.”
But his desire to serve others didn’t stop with his medical retirement.
To support non-profits, he has competed in marathons and even set up his own organization, the Doc Jacobs Foundation, which helps provide sports scholarships for military children.
Doc’s next “mission” is to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and he’s heavily into his training for that trek. He will be leading a group of over 20 people via the Waterboys organization.
Whatever he does, Doc opts for the path that has the most impact.
In the midst of his preparations for the Mount Kilimanjaro climb, Doc underwent surgery number 79.
“I know I’ve given so much, a leg, three toes, three partial fingers, cartilage, why not?”
The “why not” he was referring to was his kidney.
“On November 5th, I donated a kidney to a random person. I did it to help a mutual friend move up on the donor waiting list.”
The surgery was conducted through UC San Diego Health.
Doc would’ve gladly given his kidney to his friend but unfortunately, they weren’t a match. So he did the only thing he could: give it to a stranger who he was a match with.
“God gave me two for a reason. Why not share one?”
Doc hopes his decision inspires people to save lives through organ donation.
“Once you’re gone from this earth, why not leave one last, lasting legacy for your loved ones and your friends to see?”
Doc is now thinking about a liver donation while working on a book that hopes to encourage those who are facing challenges.
Replaced!