NYPD Gives Arizona Boy Battling Terminal Illness VIP Tour of New York City
Jacob Priestly, 14, developed a bond with New York police officers.
— -- The NYPD is used to safeguarding famous figures, but this week it invited a 14-year-old boy battling a terminal illness to be its VIP in New York City.
Jacob Priestley of Arizona arrived Tuesday morning with his parents and younger brother. The family was greeted at the airport by NYPD officers who took them winter coats to help them adjust to fall temperatures cooler than in their home state.
One of the officers greeting the family was Assistant Chief Jeffrey Maddrey, the head of the Brooklyn North patrol borough. He and his command first heard of Jacob this summer when his family's request for 14th birthday cards for Jacob went viral and resulted in thousands of cards being sent.
Jacob has mitochondrial disease, a condition in which cells do not work correctly. His parents, Britney and Tom Priestley, have said that his condition is terminal.
“They described how Jake receiving cards makes him feel better,” Maddrey said. “He suffers from a situation where he’s constantly in pain, and reading cards lifted his spirits and made him feel better.
“I asked the members of Brooklyn North and all members of the NYPD to send Jacob cards,” Maddrey said.
Maddrey and his fellow officers kept in touch with the Priestleys and decided to send them all to New York City this week for a VIP experience.
“At one point we contemplated taking a trip to Arizona, and then we said, ‘Why don’t we bring Jake and his family to the Big Apple and let him experience hanging out with greatest police department in the world and greatest city in the world?” he said.
On Tuesday, Jacob attended a hockey game, tasted some of New York’s famous pizza, received a special proclamation from Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams and took part in a blessing of the animals for the Christmas show at Radio City Music Hall alongside Cardinal Timothy Dolan.
“I can't really explain it. It’s just cool and awesome,” Jacob told New York City ABC station WABC-TV.
Maddrey said Jacob and his family are excited about all they are doing, which is fun to see.
“For me, personally, it was just amazing to see this young boy, who I know is going through a lot of pain, smile and crack jokes,” he said. “He’s ragging on our sports teams, enjoying the food and the crowds … There’s nothing like a Times Square crowd.
The Priestleys will be in New York City through the week. They visited the Statue of Liberty today and will have surprise outings to sporting events and other landmarks daily, according to Maddrey.