Who is Jake?
Jake Haapajoki was your normal 16-year old kid. He was a son, a brother, a nephew, a cousin, a grandson, a friend, a boyfriend, an athlete and active in his church. Jake had a family that loved him and supported him in all he did. His siblings adored him. He had genuine connections with his aunts, uncles, grandparents and cousins. His community loved him. Jake’s smile was nearly constant when he was in the presence of his friends and in social environments. His smile could light up a room like no other.
Jake took his life on February 21, 2018. Jake couldn’t see an end to his pain. Jake made a mistake. Suicide is always a mistake.
Jake’s family and friends, through their despair and grief, have launched the Smiles for Jake Movement to begin work to eliminate suicide and provide hope to all that suffer from darkness and despair. The hashtag #WeAreAllJake has been created to represent each and every person in this world that needs an extra smile, a hug, a high five, kind words or simply a moment of attention.
Who is Grace Lee?
Grace Elizabeth Lee was born with a congenital heart condition and underwent open heart surgery in May 2011. Little Grace was such a brave little trooper and fought back after her surgery... life was good. Tragically, a few days later, Grace passed away unexpectedly due to some unusual complications. Memorial Day weekend will always be a weekend to remember and celebrate Grace. It was the weekend she was born, the weekend we said goodbye to her, and the weekend to celebrate her life. We are continuing to share Grace's memory through this "Miles for Smiles" annual race.
