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Filed under: In The News
If you feel like a good cry today, watch this video.
It's the heartwarming story of 12-year-old Jake Olson as he prepares for a surgery that will blind him permanently. His left eye had been removed years earlier, which was inflicted by retinoblastoma. With surgery looming on his right eye, he told his parents the last thing he wanted to see was a University of Southern California Trojan football game, according to a story on ESPN.
Word spread to the ears of USC head coach, Pete Carroll, who brought Jake in for a practice and meeting with the players. Jake's involvement with the team grew to an inseparable bond -- his favorite player, center Kris O'Dowd, was at the hospital the day of the surgery -- and the two look to each other as inspiration to succeed.
Since the surgery, Jake remains optimistic and says of his new football watching time: "It's kind of more fun to actually hear the hits than to actually see the hits."
Inspirational indeed.
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ReaderComments (Page 5 of 19)
12-04-2009 @ 8:39PM
carole said...As heartbreaking as this story is,
I just know this wonderful young man will be just fine. His terrific personality and attitude will sustain him in the future. What an inspiration. Bless you Jake.
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12-04-2009 @ 8:44PM
Samantha said...This was such a wonderful story! I cried the whole time! It touched my heart
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12-04-2009 @ 8:41PM
Sher said...This is a very strong young man. I am really inspired and encouraged by his strength.
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12-04-2009 @ 8:44PM
davislad38 said...that child could not be that way without his parents unreal and I complain about stupid stuff!
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12-04-2009 @ 8:43PM
cathy rohrscheib said...im suprised that was his wish .you can always use a visual .of foot ball i think but theres a lot of age between us .i think i would want to see the people most important in my lif .silly as it was the first thing i saw out of my new glasses was the hubby .clearer hehe . sciece is on this kids side god be with him
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12-04-2009 @ 8:45PM
mhphammes said...Good luck to the young man. He is more brave and has more class than a lot of adults.
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12-04-2009 @ 8:46PM
Jim said...God had nothing to do with the boy losing his eyes you idiots. That would be like me blaming the fools who blame God. Grow up and learn about something before moving your lying lips.
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12-04-2009 @ 8:45PM
Donna said...I didn't cry my eyes out. I see GOOD, beautiful , AND COURAGOUS PEOPLE DIE OF CANCER AFTER A VERY HARD FIGHT TO BEAT IT! tHEY DON'T MAKE HEADLINES CAUSE THEY ARE FINANCIALLY POOR, AND DON'T HAVE A FAVORITE TEAM TO MAKE THE HEADLINES IN THEIR BATTLE. THEY RELY ON THEMSELVES AND THEIR FRIENDS , ( JUST ORDINARY PEOPLE ) TO HELP THEM. gOOD FOR JAKE AND THE Trojans. Great PR! But no tear here!
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12-05-2009 @ 5:50AM
Teri said...Jake you are an awesome kid!!!! Keep up the good work that you are doing.
Donna you are rude. Have you ever heard the saying if you dont have something nice to say DONT say anything at all. You might want to remember that. This is a 12 remember that a 12 year old child going throught more then most 30, 40, 50 year olds go through.
12-04-2009 @ 8:46PM
Patrick Stibila said...Timdonk;God did not curse this young man.God sometimes chooses to let us go through times of trial,in order to strengthen our faith in him.This young man through his affliction has shown ALL MEN, God's grace working through him.
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12-04-2009 @ 8:49PM
Rosey said...Very inspirational story and Jake has so much "sight" or insight into what really matters. He will be fine, I am sure as he has a wonderful attitude and I know he will excel at whatever he does. Twelve years old and working on a second book....in Braille yet? No, no one should feel sorry for this young man because he is an inspiration to so many others and those he comes in contact with will only benefit from his experiences. Much thanks to his wonderful family and the Trojans for their efforts.
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12-04-2009 @ 8:51PM
Aperson said...What's up with aol and all the sappy stories lately?
And a football game? seriously?!
well...I guess it makes sense.... i mean, it SHOULD be the LAST thing you'd wanna see!
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12-04-2009 @ 8:56PM
Yousaf hyat said...May Allah keep you in his care ...and after we all leave Earth may you have the best place in Paradise ...I hope the best of both worlds for you ....
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12-04-2009 @ 9:20PM
nabeelah said...allahuakbar you know just as well as me allah blesses those who have subrah[patient's] and this young boy had a lot of it so may god [ALLAH] BLESS HIM AMAN[AMEEN]
12-04-2009 @ 8:56PM
Joelene said...What a kid...
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12-04-2009 @ 9:12PM
ashleyphillips9009 said...I see this as a truly inspirational, heartwarming story. That makes you realize and actually puts in perspective how short life is. That we can choose to let it beat us down, or give it our all. I know this 12 year old boy puts me to shame..because he truly fought and still has the courage. What an Awesome family!! I wish for all the happiness and goodness that could come out of this.
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12-04-2009 @ 9:05PM
giglfit said...what a jerk
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12-04-2009 @ 9:09PM
Christine said...Jake you are a true hero. God is not punishing you, God is Blessing you. You are going to be an inspiration to many people now that we are hearing your story. People please stop saying"when he sees the game" or "when you (Jake) come see the game" . He is blind now. Durrrr...say something like come be with us at the game! Come Listen?? Take care Jake, you and your family will be in my prayers
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12-04-2009 @ 9:00PM
Gary said...Ok, I shed tears, but with a warrm smile on my face. I admire..so admire this fellow's attitude. I also respect the humanity of the young men on the USC team. They have truly acted in the most human of ways, taking this boy in hand and allowing him something that he would never be permitted to do again. Really, I think my opinion of the average college football player has changed. I hope those of us who saw this video and heard the story can retain it long enough to get us through a moment where we might feel challenged, and remember Jake and the Trojans. I see a movie in there somewhere. A touching story that we seem to hear more of, or perhaps pay attention to more, at this time of year and it is refreshing after reading the stories of teen homicides and drug overdoses. I hope that someone, something, is keeping tabs on the good deeds that people so, because if that is done, these guys have a lot of good fortune coming their way, in karma. For the schmucks who choose to advertise for Jolie 'nude' videos or Nike for 50% off...you have totally disrespected this kid and those guys who gave of themselves. You are yutz's for continually doing this on our message boards and you are being reported. Should get the Trojans on your cases and have them beat the disrespect out of you....excuse the editorial, please.
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12-04-2009 @ 9:00PM
JR said...I have always respected Pete Carroll as a football coach, and now I respect him even more. Go Trojans.
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