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CHESANING, Mich. (WNEM/Gray News) - A Michigan family is celebrating the gift of life for their son who needed not one but five organ transplants.

Jakob Perez, 9, is known as a light to anyone who crosses his path. His family says his spirits have always remained high even though he has gone through some tough times health-wise.

“He has lots of friends. He loves our community and he’s kind of the neighborhood Mr. Rogers,” Jakob’s mother, Mickaela Perez, said.

Mickaela Perez says people from all over the country have been showering him in prayer and love as she has shared their medical journey with his followers online.

Jakob has a rare disease called microvillus inclusion. It prevents his body from absorbing nutrients. His mother said less than 100 people in the world are affected by it.

“He can eat and drink, but nothing gets absorbed into his system. So, he has been on IV nutrition for his entire life,” she said.

Because of his condition, Jakob has needed several organ transplants, including a new stomach, large intestine, small intestine, liver and pancreas.

Doctors said the organs would need to come from the same person who is a child around his size. And after nine years of praying for a miracle, they finally got that call.

“They called us Monday afternoon and said, ‘We have a match, and we need you to get to Pittsburgh,’” Mickaela Perez said.

Jakob and his family traveled to Pittsburgh and he underwent surgery on Wednesday.

“It’s been surreal. I mean we were getting to the point where we weren’t sure it was ever going to happen. We tried to prepare for it as best we could,” Joshua Perez, Jakob’s father, said.

The family wants to stress the importance of being a donor, no matter what age, as they give thanks for theirs.

“We just want to say thank you. That’s not even adequate, but just thank you. And I hope that one day we get to meet you and that please know that we will cherish this gift of life for an eternity,” Mickaela Perez said.

A special benefit for Jakob is also scheduled to be held at the Chesaning Conservation Club on Aug. 24.