2019 Jacob Mendiola

Name:                                     Jacob Mendiola

Type of Donation:             Organ donor

Age and Location:             Age 14 – Bakersfield, CA

Donation Date:                   11/9/2014

Sponsor:                                Honored by JJ’s Legacy

JACOB’S STORY

Jacob Mendiola adored his family and friends. His infectious laugh and sense of humor brought happiness to many. Jacob was adventurous and fearless. He loved music, dancing, video games, and swimming. Jacob had a unique gift of expressing love and impacting those around him.  Jacob’s mother, Maryann, remembers how Jacob thought everyone was his friend.  Jacob would walk down the street, waiving to strangers as though he knew them.  Maryann would tell him to stop, saying that he didn’t know those people, but then the people would wave back to Jacob and he would say, “see, they are my friends.”

At age 14, Jacob had just begun his freshman year of high school. Sadly, on November 6, 2014, Jacob departed from this world through an unfortunate accident.  Maryann made the decision to donate Jacob’s organs, something she feels Jacob would want knowing that he wanted to help anyone and that he thrived off of giving to others.  Jacob continued to love others by donating his heart, liver, and kidneys.

Since Jacob’s passing, his family has participated in events like the Donate Life Run/Walk and Rose Parade float decorating as a way to honor Jacob and keep his memory alive.  Maryann says, “Jacob, you have and will continue to provide many with life, love, and laughs. You are truly missed and will forever live in our hearts.”