Our beautiful son Jake was born after a long journey of infertility. He was a miracle who completed our family and we were so thankful to have him. As he grew, we started to come down from our 8 year infertility experience and began to enjoy our family. We booked our first weekend getaway and made plans to renovate our house. Things were going well when the worst happened. At 14 months old Jake was unexpectedly diagnosed with stage 4 alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. The worst possible outcome was given to us and we were devastated beyond comprehension.
As laypeople, we struggled to push through the hopelessness we were presented with and attempt to understand the world of cancer, a foreign sub-world that only those touched by it truly understand. The prognosis offered was unacceptable to us and the powerful love we had inside for our son fueled the fire to try to find a way, try to find a cure for our beautiful Jake.
Our lengthy, convoluted, emotional and complicated journey led us in many different directions, including seeking treatment abroad for over 8 months. Despite our best efforts, sleepless nights and agonizing attempts to find the right path, we lost our son to this nightmare disease on August 4, 2014. The most heartbreaking moment in a string of crushing times during his year and a half battle with this relentless disease.
During our journey, however, we realized the most extraordinary acts of altruism, generosity and humanity from countless people. From family, to friends and even strangers, our hearts have been affected forever by the outpouring of love we felt for our beautiful Jake. In a short time, Jake touched more lives that some adults ever do. His magnetic personality, strength and magical spirit shown through in his eyes, his smile and his laughter. Few people had the fortune of knowing him personally, but many got to know him through his Facebook page and reached out to share how his life had deeply changed theirs...the way they live, parent and love.
As we move through the remainder of our time here on earth, we will continue to spread Jake's love and memory whenever possible and are eternally grateful for those who continue to support us in this endeavor. Together, we will keep our beautiful Jake's message alive and well.
All our love,
Denise, Mark, Luke and Jake xo
As laypeople, we struggled to push through the hopelessness we were presented with and attempt to understand the world of cancer, a foreign sub-world that only those touched by it truly understand. The prognosis offered was unacceptable to us and the powerful love we had inside for our son fueled the fire to try to find a way, try to find a cure for our beautiful Jake.
Our lengthy, convoluted, emotional and complicated journey led us in many different directions, including seeking treatment abroad for over 8 months. Despite our best efforts, sleepless nights and agonizing attempts to find the right path, we lost our son to this nightmare disease on August 4, 2014. The most heartbreaking moment in a string of crushing times during his year and a half battle with this relentless disease.
During our journey, however, we realized the most extraordinary acts of altruism, generosity and humanity from countless people. From family, to friends and even strangers, our hearts have been affected forever by the outpouring of love we felt for our beautiful Jake. In a short time, Jake touched more lives that some adults ever do. His magnetic personality, strength and magical spirit shown through in his eyes, his smile and his laughter. Few people had the fortune of knowing him personally, but many got to know him through his Facebook page and reached out to share how his life had deeply changed theirs...the way they live, parent and love.
As we move through the remainder of our time here on earth, we will continue to spread Jake's love and memory whenever possible and are eternally grateful for those who continue to support us in this endeavor. Together, we will keep our beautiful Jake's message alive and well.
All our love,
Denise, Mark, Luke and Jake xo