Jake is a transplant to central KY, with a history of various ventures and job paths in different regions over several years after a college athletic career and education. While grinding in a corporate setting, Jake's family suffered a devastating loss when his mother passed unexpectedly in 2022. While this loss altered his future more than he anticipated, it ultimately led him to choose a career in civil service.

Jake will tell anyone who listens that he went into the line of first responders to be present for others above all else - to support patients in their most delicate times of need and empathize with those around them facing fear and uncertainty. In early 2025, upon receiving his job offer, Jake moved to Scott County from Denver, Colorado, and never looked back.

This summer, he celebrated his 1st anniversary of service with the department. He's moved into each unique opportunity presented to him, most recently physically training this season's class of fire recruits. Until everything came to a screeching halt. None of us expected a temporary departure this early on...

One day in early July, Jake found a tiny mass, which raised eyebrows and led to days of appointments. Many trips were made in and out of Lexington in a short period of time, and surgical excision was complete in no time at all. Unfortunately, pathology in conjunction with post-op scans and bloodwork all pointed to a definitive testicular cancer diagnosis with a potential metastatic component. At a new patient oncology appointment at UK on Friday, August 21st, Jake was registered for aggressive chemotherapy beginning Wednesday, August 26th.

He and Carissa are preparing in a pinch for drastic life changes they'll adjust to in the months to come. Relocation brings particular struggles, and this wasn't Jake's first time moving; however, adjusting to this recently with no family in the area brings an entirely new set of challenges. He and Carissa also recently began offering in-home pet services in central KY as a team, and they've had to close their books for the foreseeable future. Surgery means recovery, and chemotherapy means being immunocompromised. This means not working and a great deal of isolation for them both.

Here is where we, as Jake's family, friends, and fire department family, would like to step in - to help him continue to provide for his family and take care of his home while he is out of commission. While many factors will make this time difficult, the goal is to ease the financial burden. We hope to help Jake and Carissa with the slew of costs associated with this hurdle. At the same time, wages have come to a standstill - regular home bills and upkeep, care for the pack/kids, travel and meal arrangements, and inevitably the extensive medical care itself.

Any financial help offered will be graciously received, and sharing of his story and prayers for his continued well-being are also of paramount importance to them.

P.S. He said that nobody needs to worry about contributing a wig. Not necessary.