It was only one year ago that 19-year old Jacob Gardner kept himself locked in his room for fear something bad would happen. A diagnosis of obsessive compulsive disorder helped him gain back control of his life. Here is his story of bravery and strength.
![Zaccari, IWK Patient](http://cdn.iwkfoundation.org/sites/default/files/styles/iwk_preview_story_image_mobile_1x/public/users/user14/IMG_5147.jpeg?itok=CJh_ZJRm&h=a3de9389)
Zaccari
Born with a rare and life-threatening kidney disease, Zaccari needed a kidney transplant to survive. In February 2018, his mom received the call that would save her…
![Alyssa Rose, IWK Patient](http://cdn.iwkfoundation.org/sites/default/files/styles/iwk_preview_story_image_mobile_1x/public/stories/2019-12/preview-story-images/HeroImage_IWKPatient_AlyssaRose_2880x744.jpg?itok=HsvziR2A&h=f888fb4b)
Alyssa Rose
After experiencing frequent headaches and blurry vision, Alyssa was diagnosed with a tumour on her brain stem that required a complex surgery.