Jake is simply the most amazing thing to every happen to us! When he was born, his diagnosis of Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome) was a shock. I had not had any life experiences with people with Down Syndrome, so it was a scary time as we learned our new normal.
Jake had open heart surgery at 5 months of age to repair a congenital heart defect individuals with Down Syndrome commonly have. After this, he really started to thrive. As he grew older, his personality really started to show, and he simply lights up every room he enters! His presence in our lives have profoundly impacted our lives for the better. We are simply better people because of Jake. The stereotype about people with Down Syndrome being very happy and loving is 100% true with Jake, and I’m grateful for that!
Jake is very passionate about sports, particularly professional wrestling. He loves to go see the WWE when they come to town. His favorite wrestlers are Brock Lesnar & Roman Reigns. In fact, he has a 6-foot-tall Brock Lesnar cut out in his room! He plays baseball and really enjoys going skiing in the winter. We have taken Jake out west skiing a couple of times and he did really great with the adaptive programs out there. He absolutely loved it and we would love to get him back out there where he can work with quality instructors. Before Covid, he even participated in the Southeast Regional Special Olympics for Alpine Skiing! Jake continually surprises us with things he does and I’m sure he will continue to touch the lives of everyone he meets.
Gift: Adaptive Ski Lessons
Location: Cobb County
Given: December 2021
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