In 2000, thanks to Wendy Arnold and PEP/LA, I had the good fortune to speak to Jake and his high school class about living with HIV/AIDS. Jake wasn't yet public about living with HIV. After my second talk at the school, Jake came up to me and introduced himself. We've remained friends since. In 2004 while living here in Madison, Ben Banks, who is another long-term survivor and friend, spoke here at the University of Wisconsin-Madison for World AIDS Day. Upon telling us that he was a spokesperson for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, I asked about Jake, and told Ben of our friendship. Ben told me that Jake was now working for his mom's foundation and speaking around the United States. I was ecstatic beyond words and so very proud of Jake. I am humbled that my presentation to his class played a role in him 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 AIDS documentary, The Fire Within, Leanne Whitney, participated in AIDS Walk Africa. I asked her if she had seen Jake. Indeed, they had spent time together on the walk and formed an amazing bond. 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 for our reunion was near. In 2005, I called and asked if he'd be willing to surprise Candice (the teacher who 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 in store, as Candice had seen Jake skateboarding before I got there, we indeed spoke briefly together for my dear friend Madeleine Schwab's class. It was an honor like no other to hear Jake tell a portion of his story and then introduce me to the students. That weekend my good friends, Erin and Scott Hart, and I spent the day with Jake in Santa Monica. We took-in Ashes and Snow, and ate some good grub at the Cheesecake Factory in Marina Del Rey. I was thrilled to have had this story come full circle. Over the course of these last years, our life-paths have taken us down many roads, and the reunion was that much better. In August of 2006, Jake and I arranged for him to visit Camp Heartland for the first time. It was awesome spending time with him, as well as introducing him to the camp staff and other dear friends of mine, Rey and Kalee. Now 25, 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 to AIDS, not to mention dealing with being HIV positive since birth. Despite it all, he has survived and has grown to become a most vibrant, diverse and healthy young man. Traveling the globe with great passion and conviction, he is continuing a brilliant legacy (in his own style of course) that his mom Elizabeth did so very well. Thank you, Jake, for your friendship and support! I'm indeed honored and blessed to call you my friend.

Friends Jake Glaser, 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

Camp Heartland with Jake Glaser and other 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