Jake Bruce has already beat the odds of living to the young age of 24, when in actuality he was given a short life span of 1 year of age. Jake has fought long and hard, having a tumors removed from the base of his brain as a baby. Now, being diagnosed with Leptomeningeal metastasis of the spine, Stage 4, the prognosis is grim. This refers to the spread of cancer to the leptomeninges (the thin membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord) and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This signifies a late-stage, advanced form of cancer with a poor prognosis, often considered terminal. Jake will start aggressive chemo and radiation treatments around the first of August, 2025. This will require a stay of 6 weeks at Duke. His parents will stay by his side and will also need lodging close by the Cancer Center. His parents, Tracy and Lance, have medical issues themselves but have always put Jake's needs first. Tracy has Morgellons disease, and Lance's body is producing too many red blood cells. He recently had 3 large blood clots removed from his leg. Neither are working now, due to summer break, as they're both school teachers.

Jake will be 25 years old on July 28th. The growth of the cancer on his spine is already impeding on his spinal cord, disrupting his body's communication to even walk. Jake's radiation will be on the entire brain and spine. His oncologist says Jake will lose his hair, have extreme nausea, extreme fatigue, and mild burns on his skin from the radiation, and "may" have some neuropathy, something Jake has already been fighting for the last few years.

The purpose of this GoFundMe is to raise money for a mobility scooter for Jake, and to provide aid to this precious family during this turbulent time of cancer treatments, travel, and lodging. This mobility scooter will provide some independence for Jake. They will need a lift for their vehicle to transport the scooter as well.

Any contribution you provide will be deeply appreciated by the Bruce family. Thank you.