Tanika Jacobs – 2017, 2019, 2020, and 2023 Recipient
By Joanne Dorr
The Haldimand Press
CALEDONIA—One of the recipients of this year’s Knights of Columbus Chili Cook Off will be Tanika Jacobs, a local 15-year-old girl who has lived with a Type 1 diabetes diagnosis for the past eight years. Today, Tanika’s lung capacity has dropped to less than 20% and she is on a waitlist for her third double lung transplant.
Tanika’s diagnosis did not come easily. It was only after she aspirated into her lungs at age 8 that they learned she had been living with diabetes since birth.
CALEDONIA—Tanika Jacobs at age 9; she was diagnosed at age 8 with Type 1 diabetes and found herself a recipient of kindness from the Knights of Columbus and the community at large through the Chili Cook Off.
Tanika explains that without any family history, her illness was unexpected. Specifically, Tanika has a diagnosis of Diabetic Ketoacidosis and takes a multitude of medications daily to keep her alive.
Due to complications from diabetes, Tanika has endured an amputation and has required dialysis, blood transfusions, and two double lung transplants. While she has seen some success with treatments in the past at Sick Kids in Toronto, her health has regressed again.
This year marks the fourth time the Caledonia Community Chili Cook Off has rallied behind Tanika, having previously supported her in 2017, 2019, and 2020. This year the event is hoping to assist Tanika’s mother, Nicky Davies, who is unable to work as Tanika requires constant care and monitoring to keep her strong and healthy while preparing her for a third lung replacement.
Tanika explains, “She can’t really go to work because she has to take care of me because I can’t be left alone by myself, ever.”
Nicky goes on to explain that the costs associated with the upkeep of their home add up and funds will help her with needed maintenance and repairs. Despite these financial challenges, Nicky makes sure to also support Tanika’s passion projects.
Tanika says, “I love art. My things are pottery, soap making, baking, and also painting.” Add to this tie dye, macrame, and looming, and it’s easy to believe that Nicky and Tanika’s home looks like an artist’s studio. Nicky proudly adds, “She is a well-rounded artist – she can do anything!”
Tanka uses her artistic talents to give back to healthcare organizations that have helped her in the past.
“I raise money for Sick Kids with my paintings. It’s also an outlet for expressing my emotions. I love doing it,” says Tanika, who sells her soaps and has been commissioned to do paintings. Unlike her art, which is full of bright colours and pastels, Tanika describes herself as “one with a dark sense of humour.”
Once a week Tanika attends a youth group. When she first joined, everyone shared their nicknames and Tanika told them, “My name’s Slim Shady and I can’t stand up, because I’m in my wheelchair.”
CALEDONIA—15-year-old Tanika sits with her mother, Nicky Davies, with some of her artwork. Tanika has sold some of her artwork, along with handmade soaps, to help give back to the medical organizations who have played a part in her healthcare over the years.
—Submitted photos.
Nicky adds Tanika’s comedic timing and delivery is always perfect and says when people ask Tanika about her leg, she tells them it was a shark bite!
You can proudly support Tanika at the seventh annual Caledonia Community Chili Cook Off on April 22 at the Riverside Exhibition Centre. It runs from 4-8 p.m. at 151 Caithness St. E. in Caledonia. Tickets are $5 to enter with various exhibits and a kid’s play area to check out. You can purchase eight chili samples for $20 – come with an appetite, as there are two dozen chilis to try. Over $15,000 in prizes is also up for grabs, including two round trip tickets with WestJet!
