This article is one of the winning entries in an essay contest held by the American Legion.
It all started with Jake.
Sixteen years old and full of life. Everyone loved him; everyone still does. He was one of those people that’s almost always happy, and when he isn’t, the whole room feels it. At least, that’s how he was when I first met him. We were in our high school musical together – Footloose.
I knew he had Down syndrome, but that never really made a difference to me, or to anyone. Everyone loved him. He was just Jake.
Jake was a star, and he made sure everyone knew it. He had an air of confidence I had never seen before, and I give credit to him for much of my confidence today. He was always high-fiving people in the hallways, jocks and nerds alike. Jake had an energy — a joyous energy, like absolutely no obstacle could stand in his way. He was living his best, carefree life. Nothing could bring him down.
Or so I thought.
I remember the day I heard the news that Jake had been diagnosed with cancer during the final semester of my junior year. My heart slowly sank like a person tied to a chair in the middle of the ocean. There’s no way, I thought to myself. The boy is a saint. This could have been anyone. Why Jake? I felt a responsibility, an obligation to do something. Anything.
Within days, I had an idea. A beautiful, impossible idea: Jammin’ for Jake.
It would be a fraditional-style benefit concert, just like those Live Aid performances for Ethiopia, but on a smaller scale. I texted my band and they were instantly on board. But it couldn’t just be us — we had to go bigger. Thus, I texted my friend and classmate, Joel, and he got his band on board too. Within days, the whole district was in. Bracelets were made. Raffles were donated. I spend countless hours honing my communication and collaboration skills, making phone calls and sending emails to obtain the proper permissions, reserve the building, secure the vendors, advertise the event, and solicit volunteers. Everyone I contacted was thrilled to be able to contribute. Like I said: everybody loved this kid, and they still do.
I had participated in cancer fundraisers in the past, but this one was different. I spearheaded Jammin’ for Jake alone, of course gaining help as the project developed, Jammin’ for Jake not only made a difference for Jake and his family, it made a difference for our entire community. It brought us all together, ultimately raising over $8,000 for Jake. And I am happy to report that Jake has graduated high school and is cancer-free.
I felt a certain responsibility to help Jake in his time of need. Not because I owed him, or his family helped me out of a difficult situation of my own in the past, or anything like that. Because that’s what people do for one another. Good people. Committed American citizens. I believe it is rooted in my upbringing to prioritize helping others. My father and mother before me are both the same way. And that all goes back to the Declaration of Independence. The Founding Fathers wanted future Americans to share this sense of integrity. Their wishes have been fulfilled, and I am one of the many fruits of their labor.
I don’t think I truly knew what the word community meant before Jammin’ for Jake. This experience showed me firsthand what that word means. To see an entire town come together over one boy gave me hope. I believe that that is precisely what the signers of the Declaration of Independence meant when they wrote on citizen ‘s commitments to one another. Thanks to Jake, now I live and breathe that concept. It all started with Jake.
Throughout my life, I have supported the few communities in which I have resided. Growing up in Enfield, my parents were constantly doing something for others, whether it be donating to the local food drive or fostering dogs every few months. This virtue has been passed on to me. During my high school years, I have done voiceover work for kids shows, volunteered at concession stands, and done lector work for my local parish. Beginning in grade 9, I worked with STARBASE CT, Department of Defense STEM Program, voicing over an educational children’s television show to enrich the minds of the next generation. I worked with two theater companies, the Opera House Players and Valley Student Theatre. Between the two, I have worked on sets, programmed lights, and ushered shows. I have also been a camp counselor at Valley Student Theatre. I have worked in the Granby Memorial Snack Shack during sports events. A frequent at my Catholic parish, I often read the Bible readings on Sunday Mornings. Through the National Honor Society, I have involved myself in a number of community outreach events. These things are acts of service to my community, but in truth, they simply feel like good deeds. Deeds that I want to do. And my sense of civic responsibility has flourished, thanks to that.