‘Finally, You Are Free’: Jake Vella’s Parents Break Silence On Teen Son’s Death
Josie and Maruska Vella, the parents of inspirational boy hero Jake who yesterday passed away at just 15 years old, have broken their silence on their family’s tragic news which the nation has been mourning for the last 24 hours.
“After 665 days sleeping next to you at Mater Dei Hospital, the time has come for you to escape my grasp after this terrible sickness had to win 10 years after it came between us,” Jake’s father wrote on social media this afternoon. “But know that, in a couple of days’ time, you’re going to be with us at home, where you have a place next to all the awards you’ve been awarded.”
“This is not a goodbye my son, this is a see you later,” Jake’s mother Maruska wrote in her heartbreaking tribute. “Finally, you are free from all the pain that you have been suffering. I can proudly say you fought till the very end, but now you are having a well deserved rest.”
View this post on Instagram
“Jake, you made a huge impact not only in our life, but anyone that had the pleasure to know you. Your legacy will continue to live on,” Maruska continued. “From the bottom of our hearts, we would like to express our utmost gratitude to all medical staff, most especially to all at Disneyland ward and ITU ward. Last, but not least, thank you Dr John Torpiano, for not being just a doctor to Jake, but more of a best friend to him and to us.”
Jake’s parents ended their tributes by saying details for the young boy’s “celebration” will be announced shortly.
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.
Lovin Malta would like to extend its heartfelt condolences to Josie, Maruska, and all of Jake’s loved ones.
READ NEXT: Watch: Malta's Mad Max? Żurrieq's 'Flying Drummer' Takes To The Skies For Santa Katarina Feast
