In 2000, thanks to Wendy and PEP/LA, I spoke at Crossroads High School in Santa Monica. I was told that Jake would be in one of the two classes I was speaking for. Little did I know, Jake was in the first class I spoke to and was not comfortable identifying himself as HIV positive at the time. I told the teacher if and when he was ready, to give him my card and I'd be happy to talk with him at some point. Through an inspiring twist of events, this young man came up to me after my second talk and introduced himself as Jake Glaser and thanked me for speaking. This was far and away one of the most profound moments in my life. I just knew that this meeting was by no means a coincidence in life. Even more rewarding, was the fact that Jake in the following couple of weeks had announced to his class his sero-status and spoke of his Mom and sister's passing from AIDS as well. Jake and I exchanged numbers that day and e-mail and have remained in contact. However, we had not seen each other again until this year. (2006) Another fateful encounter occurred while living here in Madison in 2004. Ben Banks who is another long term survivor and friend, spoke here at UW-Madison for World AIDS Day. Upon telling us he was a spokesperson for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, I asked about Jake and told Ben briefly of our friendship. I was told that Jake was now working for his Mom's foundation and speaking Nationally. I was ecstatic beyond words and so proud of Jake. I am humbled that I somehow played a small part in Jake finding his voice and niche' in the fight against HIV/AIDS. In yet another amazing turn of events, my dear friend and Producer of The Fire Within, Leanne Whitney participated in this year's AIDS Walk Africa. I asked her if she had seen Jake. They indeed had spent time together on the walk and formed an amazing bond. Now, I was blown away at what a small world it truly is. Learning from Ben that Jake had relocated back to Los Angeles I felt the time was close for our reunion. I called and asked if he'd be willing to surprise Candice (she was instrumental in our original connection) and speak with me at Crossroads High School in Santa Monica, California. Although it wasn't quite the surprise we had planned, as Candice saw Jake skateboarding before I got there, we indeed spoke briefly together for Madeleine's class. It was an honor like no other to have Jake tell a portion of his story and then introduce me to the students. That weekend my good friend's Erin and Scott and me met with Jake for a day in Santa Monica to take in Ashes and Snow and some good grub at the Cheesecake Factory in Marina Del Rey. I am thrilled to have had this story come full circle. Over the course of the last five years, our life paths have taken us down many roads and the reunion was that much better. Jake is a most remarkable and blessed young man. Now 21, he has lived a life not for the faint at heart. Jake has overcome so much adversity in his young life including losing his Mother and Sister while dealing with his own diagnosis at birth as HIV positive. Despite it all, Jake has survived and transpired into an amazingly vibrant, diverse and healthy young man. Jake is continuing a brilliant legacy, in his own style of course, that his Mom Elizabeth did so very well and with an immense amount of passion and conviction. Jake travels the globe to speak on behalf of Pediatric AIDS. This August (2006) Jake and I arranged for him to visit Camp Heartland for the first time. It was incredible sharing the time with him as well as introducing to camp staff and  'face to face,' friends of mine on onetoughpirate.com to one another!  Thank you Jake for your friendship and support! I'm indeed honored and blessed to call you my friend.

Friends Jake Glaser, Kalee Garland and Da Pirate showin how we survivors do!
We have a combined 67 years of living with HIV/AIDS!
Malibu, California-2006

Malibu, California-August, 2006

With Jake, Becca, Rey, Kalee and Joel Goldman at Camp Heartland
Thank you so much my friends!

Jake's Father, Paul Michael Glaser has also done amazing work for HIV/AIDS on behalf of The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. Please visit Paul's site: www.paulmichaelglaser.org to learn more.

Photo 1: Jake and Da Pirate chowin at da Cheesecake Factory in Marina Del Rey, CA

Photo 2: Fat and happy with friends Erin, Scott and Jake

Photo 3: Jake, Candice and Da Pirate at Crossroads High School-March, 2006