Hear Jake speak at an Event or Function

Face with the uncertainty of what a spinal cord injury was going to mean for my future I took it upon myself not to wait.  At 18 years old the stars were aligned in my life as I was getting ready for my senior at Milton Academy, being recruited to play college hockey, was healthy, working on the farm, and enjoying time with friends and family.  However my life had a different plan in place than what I originally thought.  After only a couple days in the hospital I made a major decision at a time filled with uncertainty.  No quit!!  I'm never going to quit on anything in life.  Not in therapy, school, relationships, work, friendships, family and all other aspects of life.  I've had to grow up fast, have learned a lot about myself and others who have experienced a life tragedy.  Thankfully my family received an outpouring of support from friends, the community, and many others.  I want to be there for others going through a life changing experience and firmly know my experiences and current perspective can help those who may be having a "bad moment."  There are no bad days, just bad moments, and those we can get through together.

My life experiences, especially when it comes to living a full life with a spinal cord injury, allow me to look at the world a bit different.  The lessons I've learned can hopefully help others overcome their own adversities, something that is defined by us.  I know the importance of support, of help from others and to have the opportunity to do the same for someone else is something I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to do.