Jacob Walter, 10, of Maryville, Mo., never removes the cross inscribed with Philippians 4:13 that his grandmother gave him for his baptism before his heart transplant surgery. This verse and his strong faith have united him with family, friends and the broader community. 

Jacob takes more than 30 pills a day at precise times to help prevent rejection of his new heart. Resuming normal daily activities for a 10-year-old, he has seamlessly incorporated the changes and treatment his transplant requires.

Jacob plays “pickle cricket” with his friends, a game they invented using a pickle ball and paddles, on his backyard court as his dog, Duke, plays nearby. While in the hospital, Jacob spoke constantly of getting back to sports with his close friends.

Jacob eats lunch at Maryville Middle School with some of his fifth-grade classmates. After missing much school earlier in the year for two open heart surgeries, he says it is great to be back in class, especially during his first year in middle school. 

Jacob’s mother, Jenny, drives him to school each morning.  Before he gets out of the car, they exchange a fist bump and a blessing, “I love you. Be Jesus."

Jacob goes up for a score as his friend, Sawyer Stanley, watches in the large downstairs play space in the Walter home, where the sports-loving friends gather almost every day after school to play.

Jacob drives the family golf cart loaded with friends around the six-acre property surrounding their yard. This cart is special to him: During the months he waited for a new heart, he rode beside his father with an external heart-assist pump strapped to his back.

After getting ready for bed each night, Jacob and his parents, Jenny and Dan, come together to pray. “Jacob has grown our faith,” his parents say.