‘A Loss For All Of Malta’: 15-Year-Old Hero Jake Vella Dies
Jake Vella, one of the most inspirational Maltese kids ever, has sadly passed away.
Jake was diagnosed with one of the rarest medical conditions on the planet, ROHHAD-NET, which only has some 75 known cases worldwide and usually has a tragically short lifespan. The longest-living survivor of ROHHAD was 22 years old before she died, but Jake also managed to capture the hearts of the nation and beyond through his sheer resilience, participating in a number of athletic activities and marathons throughout his life, no doubt inspired by his triathlete father Josie Vella.
Jake was being treated in hospital this week, with a number of people posting about the young boy and wishing him a speedy recovery, including prominent mother-activist Isabelle Bonnici, who had reached out to Jake’s mother Maruska just days ago.
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“Jake’s loss is a loss for the nation,” minister Owen Bonnici wrote moments ago. “We lost a true friend who showed courage, determination and love.”
“He shared his dreams with Lydia, Giorgia and with so many other families, leading to beautiful initiatives, and we thank him for this from the bottom our hearts,” Prime Minister Robert Abela wrote.
“Jake is a hero,” European Parliament President Roberta Metsola wrote. “He will continue inspiring entire generations.”
Last December, Jake marked a whole year in hospital by organising a paw walk at Mater Dei to raise awareness for abandoned animals, one of his life’s biggest passions and missions.
Condolences to Jake Vella’s family in this extremely hard time.
Rest In Power Jake, and thanks for doing so much to this country.
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