Most kids like roller-coasters, but the roller coaster that the Hoffman family went on is one that will impact them forever. In July of 2018, Jake's father, Jeff Hoffman, was diagnosed with Kidney Cancer. Lynn underwent surgery shortly after his diagnosis, and doctors were confident they got it all. Fast forward to December 2018 - the cancer has come back and spread throughout the body. In February of 2018, Lynn went to the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston hoping to receive life saving help. The weekend of February 9th, the entire Hoffman family was by Lynn's side. Monday, February 11th, Jake returned home to resume classes and to be there for the start of the varsity baseball season. On February 14th, 2019, while still in Houston Lynn was given the worst news possible. Not only did he only have days to live, but doctors would not allow him to travel back home to Georgia due to his condition. 2 days later, Jake stepped on the mound for the first time since receiving the news. He pitched amazing and made his dad, his number 1 fan, extremely proud. The following Tuesday, February 19th, 2019, cancer took the life of Lynn Hoffman. He was only 54 years old. Jake's hero was gone before Jake even turned 17.

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Jake was nominated for his November Smile by one of his baseball coaches, Coach Kiley Coursey.

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CLICK HERE to check out Jake's day at Suntrust Park!