Jake’s Journey

Dearest Community,

It is with deep humility that we are reaching out to ask for your love in supporting Jake and Vanessa as they enter the next hurdle in Jake’s health journey.

In January 2023, Jake was diagnosed with a serious brain tumour that required an emergency brain surgery that same week.

It was a huge shock for this young and fit primary school teacher we adore, who usually spends his days surfing, meditating and living a healthy lifestyle.

Thanks to an outpouring of love and excellent medical care, the first surgery was successful, but the aftermath was a huge adjustment with a lot of challenges including loss of income for almost a year, not being able to drive for 6 months, physical incapacitation, endless emotional and mental stress and much more.

But, Jake’s journey is far from over.

He now also needs a second brain surgery on a completely different part of his brain, that he found out this week has been scheduled to be done in a few weeks time.

This next surgery is critical to his long-term health and will ensure he can move beyond these huge hurdles.

For Jake and his partner Vanessa, despite their best efforts to cover the costs of all of this on their own to this point, the financial burden has become too much.

That is why we’re reaching out to friends, family and kind-hearted people who believe in the power of community and compassion.

Your generous contributions will help ensure Jake receives the medical attention he needs, aiding his recovery and giving him the chance to live a full, vibrant life, following this huge procedure.

What Your Support Will Cover

* Any out of pocket expenses for the surgery itself and extended hospital stays

* Rehabilitation and therapy to regain strength or functionality and any post-operative care

* Travel expenses for their trip to Sydney for the surgery

* Ensuring Jake has nutritious, organic home-cooked meals during his extensive hospital stay

How You Can Help

1. Donate: Any amount, no matter how small, makes a significant difference.

2. Share: Spreading the word is just as powerful as a donation. Sharing this page with your network can reach people who want to help.

3. Send Your Love: Positive thoughts, prayers and well-wishes are deeply appreciated and keep Jake’s spirits high.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for reading, for caring and for being part of this journey with us. Your compassion and generosity mean more than words can express.

As Jake would say, ‘stop what you’re doing, and take a moment to hold your loved ones close. They are the reason you’re here.’

Please join us in beaming all our love and healing to Jake in the Neuro ward this Christmas.

And if you’re in the Byron Shire, there will be a Meal Train going out once they are back from Sydney.