I first was made aware of Jake this past spring when his Church contacted me at work about helping him with a dream he had. Jake was diagnosed with stage 4 Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma, a very aggressive form of cancer that started in his leg and eventually spread to other areas of his body. Jake's dream was to make sure other sick kids in Indianapolis hospitals had something to cuddle with while at the doctor and hospital. Jake wanted to give all of the kids Pillow Pets and his goal was to collect 1,000 of them.
We (work) agreed to help Jake reach his goal. Through partnering with his church, Central Indiana Applebees locations, and our amazing listners, we were able to surprise Jake earlier this Spring with over 1,000 Pillow Pets. But it didn't stop there.
The Morning Show was so moved by Jake, they wanted to let the entire Country know what Jake had on his heart - and how he, a very sick 7 year old little boy, was making a difference in the lives of other children. Pillow Pets continued to roll in to Jake's church and his house from all over the Country. Jake was featured on a number of different news and media channels. (And we can't forget the power of the internet!) At one point, I knew the donation numbers were over 8,000 Pillow Pets.
Jake was making a difference. A BIG difference.
Children not only in Indianapolis, but Central Indiana and BEYOND were being blessed with cuddly Pillow Pets. Our San Antonio office was also very moved by Jake and started a collection on their own. Through their contacts, the Pillow Pets company was contacted and told about Jake; whom they were VERY familiar with. The Pillow Pets company desired to keep Jake's dream alive and donated nearly 6,500 Pillow Pets to be given to children who were in need. All of this because a 7 year old little boy had a dream of making sure other sick kids had something cuddly to play with.
I'm reminded of one of my favorite scriptures "Don't let anyone look down on you because you're young, but set an example for others in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity." (1 Tim 4:12). Jake didn't let his age stop him. He had a dream, and he met and far exceeded that dream.
Over the past few months, Jake's health started declining. Hospice was called in to his house so he could spend his remaining days with his Mom, Dad, Brother, and Sister. And last night, one of the bravest and strongest little boys I know, recieved his Angel wings.
Jake, if I only had the courage to go after my dreams like you did. You only wanted to make a difference in the lives of other sick children, and you didn't let anything stand in your way. Not even ugly cancer. You've touched more hearts than I think any of us will ever know. You are the bravest little dude ever! Even though we won't see you physically here on Earth, we know we'll see you when God calls us home. And I can't wait to give you the biggest hug when I see you again. Until then, do me a favor? Give Sam and Austin big hugs!September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. There are MANY organizations throughout the Country that come to the aid of children and their families who are battling cancer. I ask that you take some time, and pray for the many sick children who are battling such an ugly disease right now. And also pray continue to pray for those who have beat the disease like Aidan, and Aubrey, and Cooper.
If you'd like to leave a message for Jake's family, you can visit their CaringBridge site: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jacobmcconahay
Thank you God for Jacob. He was an awesome little boy.
And God said "...and a little child will lead them."
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| Jake, after meeting Third Day at Riley Children's Hospital this past March. Photo taken by Carpenter Photography & Design |
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