Eighteen-year-old Jake developed a strong affinity for the rock band Counting Crows while battling his life-threatening illness. Sure, he liked the group before his surgery, but his affection grew stronger as he endured difficult and challenging times. According to Jake, the Crows' music "gave him the will to take that first step" after surgery.

When volunteers from the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Northeast New York offered to grant Jake's greatest wish, he – without hesitation – asked to meet the band. Wish granters arranged for Jake, his best friend, and his family to fly to Seattle. There, Jake met the inspirational musicians during a private meeting before a performance. He also got to examine the group's tour bus, pick out songs for the concert lineup, and get reacquainted with the guys after the show.

According to his Make-A-Wish® itinerary, Jake's wish ended when he returned home from Washington state, but it continues to evolve. While his stay in Seattle is over, the teen has kept in touch with members of the band. In an effort to share the power of a wish®, Jake has campaigned for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, telling audiences how his wish infused him with inspiration.

Jake's vitality was put on a world stage in the months leading up to the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. He was one of more than 20 Make-A-Wish children and volunteers selected by Chevrolet, an Olympic Torch Relay sponsor, to share the honor of carrying the Olympic Torch during its cross-country journey to Salt Lake City. Looking to the future, Jake is excited about attending college in the fall and choosing a career path.