Our Thanks

“What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal.” – Albert Pines

We wanted to express or sincere appreciation and gratitude for…

Family

This journey has had a profound impact on all of our children. Sammy and Luke have witnessed all the hospital visits, the long recovery process and rehabilitation that Jake has endured but still never stopped looking up to him as the big brother. This has helped Jake maintain his sense of security and self, but it has also impacted his younger brothers by helping develop a sense of compassion and acceptance of all walks of people.  Also, Bella will never know all the smiles and comfort she provided Jake during those long chemotherapy sessions.

We would also like to thank Jake’s grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends of family, and all the people were strangers to us before, who have extended their prayers, well wishes and support throughout our journey. And to Grandma Joan who unexpectedly came into our lives at just the right moment to care and love our children when we really needed someone.

Team Jake

We have been overwhelmed with the love and support of our family, friends and community in supporting the efforts of Team Jake in the Brain Tumor Societies Ride for Research. The 108 riders that participated on Team Jake will always be in our hearts. We appreciate the generosity of the over 1,600 people that donated to Team Jake and how much their generosity has helped give us hope.  We believe the research that you helped fund will make our dream of safer, more effective treatment options for Jake and all kids battling pediatric brain tumors a reality. 

CCMC

To Peggy, Dr. Gillan, Candy and his Miss Amy who helped make an unbearable time for our family easier.

Glastonbury neighbors and friends

To all the help, whether it was meals, babysitting or prayers, or just asking “How’s Jacob”. We really do appreciate it so much. It has been so hard for us to reach out. Thank you.

Hopewell and Nayaug School

To everyone at Hopewell and Nayaug that has been instrumental in getting Jake the extra help (educationally, physically, and socially) that he needs, for riding in the cold rain for Team Jake, for walking in the Relay for Life and for keeping an eye on him at recess. Especially to those who really take the effort to know and care for him. Thank you.

New Friends

So we are not alone in the fight. To John and Liz and to AJ and Cindy. Thanks for fighting the good fight with us. We are so much stronger because of you.

To Tracy and Brian and Cara and Tim for keeping us laughing.

To the Dewey family for inspiration.

Organizations

To Camp Sunshine. For giving us the opportunity to be with other families and their wonderful children who are battling pediatric brain tumors. It’s the one place that everyone understands without explanation what it is like to spend a day in our shoes. 

To Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. Where Jake was a “normal” kid again and got to meet Paul Newman, ride a hot air balloon, throw a pie in a clowns face, scuba dive in a pool and most of all meet some truly amazing kids.

To Red Sox Nation. Where Jake got to watch batting practice, meet Dennis Leary “Diego” and see his name in the score board lights.

Last but not Least

To Alexander, Michael, Joey and Ryan for being the best friends for Jake that anyone could ask for.  Keeping some assemblance of normalcy in Jake’s life has only been attainable because of you.  We will always be grateful. Thank you.

“I would thank you from the bottom of my heart, but for you my heart has no bottom.” – Author Unknown