There are some people you meet that just grab your heart from the start, and Jake Ames is one of those people. He's full of life, full of heart, and genuinely kind and humble in a way that is rare, especially for someone of his incredible talent. My life has been forever changed by knowing Jake, and I know countless others who can make that same claim.

Jake has been diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. The horrible truth of cancer is that it doesn't discriminate. It isn't fair. It can affect someone like Jake, someone young, someone whose enthusiasm for life is unparalleled. Someone who would never dream of asking for help.  That's why I'm counting on Austin's amazing community (and beyond) to join me in lifting up our sweet friend in a truly scary and challenging time.

Fortunately, Jake's prognosis is promising; the road to recovery will be about a three month process that includes chemo, radiation, and recovering from the effects of those treatments. He needs our help in covering the medical expenses of those treatments, as well as to compensate for the financial burden of being unable to work or support himself by playing music during this time.

Jake begins chemo this coming Friday 4/5, and needs our immediate financial support to get ahead of the hefty bills coming his way. I am so excited for Jake to feel the overwhelming support of a community that loves him so much; let's show him the same selfless kindness he's shared with so many of us.