Jacob was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in 2019, when he was in middle school. When his hair fell out from chemo, four of his school friends shaved their heads in solidarity. Jacob achieved remission but relapsed in 2021. Thinking about his wish helped Jacob through his second round of treatment.

Jacob, now a 10th grader at Windsor High School, loves to travel and knew he would choose a trip for his wish. He loved to quiz his medical team about the “best” places they’d ever traveled. He chose Oahu because, during his treatment, he dreamed of time with his family “relaxing in a beautiful place, spending time at the pool and beach, and eating at the restaurants.” 

For Jacob's wish trip send-off, Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area volunteers planned a big Hawaiian-themed community celebration. Family and friends gathered to share their best wishes, a local hula dance troop performed, and the Windsor High School mascot made an appearance. Jacob and his friends even got a crash course in hula dancing! Jacob shared, “this is amazing, super awesome! I am really thankful and I can’t ask for anything better.”

Jacob’s wish marks a significant milestone for the Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area chapter—it was the 9,000th wish the chapter has granted since its founding in 1984. At the send-off, CEO Betsy Biern, celebrated the occasion by presenting Jacob with a commemorative plaque. "We're thrilled to share this momentous occasion with you and your family," she said.

In October 2022, it was finally time for the big trip! A fun-filled week in Hawaii kicked off with a limo ride to the airport, a meet-and-greet with the pilot on the airplane, and a lei greeting on arrival in Oahu. While taking in island life, Josh and his family enjoyed swimming in the ocean, ziplining, a sunset cruise, and plenty of tropical relaxation.

Jacob’s wish was generously adopted by Apria, part of the Owens & Minor family.