Lausberg Thanks

March 13, 2001
For Jake's Sake

Last Friday I received a phone call from Mrs. Jo CareyCarlisle, my granddaughter, Morgan's second grade teacher. She shared a story with me that touched my heart. Stephen Breymaier is 9 years old, a student at Madison Elementary School and the son of Craig and Holly Breymaier. He happens to be Jake Lausberg's best friend and realizes Jake is very ill. Jake's Mother, Traci, has received upsetting news in regard to her own health and will be undergoing surgery soon. Harold, Jake's Father, has not been able to return to work because he is needed at home to help care for Jake, Traci, and Tessa, Jake's older sister. Stephen wanted to think of a way to raise money for the Lausberg family. He will be shooting 50 baskets in a shoot-a-thon at Licking Valley High School on Friday, March 16, 2001 at approximately 4 P.M. All of the sponsor money will go to the Lausberg family. As of last Saturday, Stephen had pledges that totalled close to $2000.00. "Help From The Heart" will be sponsoring Stephen and I will be there personally to cheer him on. Anyone who is interested in sponsoring Stephen may e-mail him at brey@alink.com. I applaud you, Stephen! You have a kind and compassionate heart and it is obvious how very much you love Jake and his family. I love them. too. God Bless you and thank you.

From my heart,

Pam Steele

Jake David Lausberg lost his two year long battle fighting brain tumors this morning. I received word about Jake from Holly Breymaier shortly after I wrote the story about her son Stephen's shoot-a-thon to raise money to help Jake and his family. Jake was only 6 years old and had become such an important part of our lives. His strength and courage touched the lives of everyone who knew and loved him. We will never forget his little, smiling face and his memory will live always in our hearts.

When I heard the story about Jake, my heart was touched beyond words. I knew I had to meet him and help him. I could not stop thinking about him. Jake just turned 6 years old this past August. In May of this year, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor and underwent brain surgery at Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. In June, Jake began a 12 week course of chemotherapy in order to shrink and stabilize the tumor. Recently, another tumor was found and he is undergoing chemotherapy treatments at home. He was not able to start school this fall due to his illness and the treatments. However, his mother, Traci says that Jake rarely complains and has a wonderful spirit. On Saturday, October 28, 2000, "Make A Difference Day", I had the pleasure of meeting Jake, his mother Traci, his sister Tessa, and his grandmother Karen Porter. What a beautiful, loving family! Our trials and tribulations had bonded us immediately and everyone could see and feel that our hearts were full of hope for Jake. On this day, "Help From The Heart" presented a check for $500.00 to the "Jake Lausberg Fund". There is hope that Jake will be able to see a physician in California. This physician may be able to perform a technique to further shrink the tumors. When I was faced with the possibility of losing my precious granddaughter, Jordan to cancer, I truly came face to face with the reality of what is important in life. Sometimes we lose sight of the fact that in one minute of one day, our lives can change dramatically. We all need to take the time to care about others and give of ourselves for all that we've been blessed with in life. My thanks go out to my family, friends, and even strangers who gave from their hearts to make it possible to help Jake and others in need. God Bless all of you!

From my heart,
Pam Steele