12/11/09 - USC Trojans' No. 1 Fan 'Fights On' With Help From His Football Friends
Jake Olson: A True Inspiration
- Click Here to Listen to His Story
The Story of Jake Olson - A True Inspiration to Us All
USC fan Jake Olson, who lost his eyesight to cancer, has become an inspirational figure for the USC football team.
Jake Olson was eight months old when he was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, cancerous tumors, in both eyes. Doctors were able to save the right eye through a combination of chemotherapy and radiation, but the left eye had to be removed.
Dr. A. Linn Murphree, director of the Retinoblastoma Program in The Vision Center at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, Dr. Nancy Mansfield, director of the Institute for Families, and all the nurses and staff within the past 12 years, have played an instrumental role in Jake's life and his battle with eye cancer.
Jake has battled and beaten cancer eight times in his short life. In September, 2009, the cancer reoccurred to Jake’s right eye and this time treatment was not successful. His right eye would have to be removed, leaving the 12 year old permanently blind. ...READ MORE
Institute for Families provides consultation and therapy for families whose child is suffering from a devastating illness. Our goal is to meet families soon after they receive the diagnosis, either in person or over the telephone. We provide nationwide assistance and understand the importance of reaching out to families during this difficult time, wherever they might be. ..READ MORE
