Jake’s journey began like many others, with an injury that seemed like nothing more than a minor setback. In October 2019, while playing a routine game of football, Jake took a hard knock and ended up in the physio room with a sore leg. What seemed like a simple muscle strain soon spiraled into a series of doctor visits, misdiagnoses, and ultimately a life-altering diagnosis.
At first, doctors told Jake and his family that the injury was just a muscle strain. But as the pain persisted and swelling increased, they knew something was off. The journey to the truth was long and frustrating, with X-rays showing no obvious signs of a serious problem. However, the pain grew unbearable, and Jake’s persistence led to more tests, ultimately culminating in an MRI and a devastating diagnosis: osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive bone cancer.
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The news was a punch to the gut. Jake, just 27 years old, was faced with the unimaginable—facing cancer, the loss of his leg, and the end of his life as he knew it. But Jake was determined. He faced the pain and the uncertainty head-on, ready to fight with everything he had.
One of the hardest moments for Jake came when he was told that he would lose his leg. “I could face the chemotherapy, the long hospital stays, the pain—but my leg?” Jake says, reflecting on the moment. The thought of losing the sport, the physical activities, and the adventures that had been such a big part of his life hit him harder than anything else. But his will to fight, to live, and to push through the fear and uncertainty kept him going.
Over the following months, Jake underwent multiple rounds of chemotherapy, surgeries, and setbacks. The chemotherapy took its toll on him, leaving him weak, sick, and isolated. But through it all, he maintained an unwavering positivity. “I couldn’t think of anyone better to handle this than me,” Jake says with a smile. “I knew I was strong enough to fight.”
Throughout the entire process, his family and his partner were his anchors. They supported him every step of the way, helping him navigate the physical and emotional challenges that came with such a diagnosis. Even when chemotherapy was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and Jake was forced to continue his treatment in isolation, his determination never wavered.
When Jake finally underwent surgery to remove his leg, it was a milestone in his journey—one that symbolized both loss and new beginnings. The surgery was a success, and while it was the end of one chapter, it was the beginning of a new, more resilient Jake.
Despite the emotional and physical toll of his treatment, Jake refused to let his diagnosis define him. “I know that life is going to be different, but I’m still here. I’m still alive, and I’m going to make the most of that,” he says.
Now, more than a year into his journey, Jake is focused on moving forward. He is actively engaged in sports again, exploring adaptive sports like swimming and wheelchair racing, and he’s even considering competing in the Commonwealth Games. His newfound passion for life is not just about overcoming cancer—it’s about embracing every opportunity that comes his way. He’s also channeling his energy into creativity, developing accessible homewares, and writing about the intersection of disability and architecture.
Jake’s advice to others facing a similar diagnosis is simple but powerful: “Stay positive, no matter how hard it gets. It will be tough, but there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. And remember, you are not your cancer. You are so much more.”
Today, Jake’s fight continues, but with each passing day, he’s more confident that his journey, full of triumph and resilience, will inspire others facing their own battles. As he looks forward, he knows that the best is yet to come. “I’m alive, and I’m just getting started,” he says, ready for whatever comes next.
