IN MEMORIAM: JAKE RYAN WHENHAM BY ALEASHA WHENHAM Our son Jake Ryan Whenham, who had Salla disease, died on November 8, 2021, when he was 15 years old. We would be honoured by any donations made to the STAR Foundation in Jake’s memory. After months of pain and 3 years of a slow decline in ability, Jake died peacefully at his home in Alexander, MB Canada on November 8, 2021. He was surrounded by family and love the last 2 days of his life. He lived the best life his body and mind would allow. Jake was born in Thompson, MB Canada on January 13, 2006. He moved with his family to Mitchell, MB in 2008 and then to Alexander, MB in November 2020. In his younger years there wasn’t a Tim Horton’s or pay phone that escaped his attention. His nicknames included Little Man; Butt Munch; Rooster; Mr. Jake; Jake-Jaker and ‘Just Jake’. He had a fear of missing out (FOMO) and we often told him how nosey he was. He loved to dress up in a suit. He loved the ladies and liked guy time. He loved meeting people, shaking hands and saying hi. Often, he would take the hand of 2 different people and put them together. He craved connection. We often joked that Jake was the mayor of Mitchell. He enjoyed a good party but was very clear when it was time to leave (would wave/say good-bye or get his hat). Whenever a new girlfriend or boyfriend came into the family, there was an unwritten test called the “Jake test”. If Jake approved, they were in. He was perceptive. Jake was the guy at church who noticed the nervous newcomers. He would walk to them, sit down beside them and quietly hold their hand. His work included volunteering at the compost bin in Steinbach, the annual Fall Food Drive with the Youth Group and The Manitoba Riding For Disability Flea Market, Bud Spud and Steak Night and Physiofit run. Although he didn’t have a job outside the house, he helped his dad mow the lawn and helped with household chores (especially when his aunty Roxanne was around). He was involved in Move and Groove, Steinbach United Church, Challenger Baseball, Manitoba Riding For Disability Association, Cooking Club and Music Therapy. His interests included people; family; wrestling with his parents; game shows; watching sports (despite his parents not being as interested); truck rides; side by side rides; being a wing man for his cousin; looking for deer; swimming; school; family games and eating (especially cookies, donuts and smoothies). Jake was a good sport. His parents dragged him on all sorts of adventures. These included skating on a sleigh; meeting the Governor General twice; camping; Jets games and baseball/soccer games. He travelled to British Columbia; Saskatchewan; Alberta; Ontario; North Dakota, the Ice Castles in Winnipeg, Corn Mazes and went on a Disney Cruise. SALLA TREATMENT AND RESEARCH FOUNDATION 11