Jason Thomas Gaes

Jason Thomas Gaes, age 40, passed away in his home surrounded by his loving family on June 25, 2018. He graduated from high school in 1996 in Marshalltown, Iowa and completed a degree in Golf Operations and Management at the Golf Academy of America in Carlsbad, CA. Golf was his business but service was his passion. At the tender age of 6 Jason was successfully treated for an aggressive childhood cancer. When 8 year old Jason thought his experience might be used to help other kids with cancer he folded 10 pieces of typing paper in half and "My Book for Kids with Cansur" was published in September 1987 initiating a chain of events that no one imagined. Jason answered thousands of calls and letters from kids with cancer and began appearing on talk shows and public speaking at conventions and schools and summer camps for kids in treatment. His book was translated into 5 foreign languages and is used as standard hand out literature at many pediatric treatment centers. He starred in an HBO Academy Award winning documentary called "You Don't Have to Die". He was honored by both President Reagan and President Bush with the "American Courage Award" and "1000 Points of Light Award" for his work with other children. He served as Grand Marshall in the Fiesta Bowl Parade and threw the first ball out for his beloved World Championship Minnesota Twins during "Jason Gaes Week" as proclaimed by Minnesota Governor Rudy Perpich. Jason received Hall of Fame Awards by the American Cancer Society, Ronald McDonald Corporation and Disney's Mickey Mouse Club Show and a Distinguished Achievement Award by the Elementary School Principals Association. In 1991 14-year old Jason humbly accepted both the G.I. Joe Real American Hero award presented by Barbara Bush and the Most Caring Young Adult in America by the Caring Institute in Washington DC that "identifies young people who have demonstrated compassion and caring, to find mechanisms that reinforce these valuable social instincts and to create peer role models". In a bizarre twist the disease that temporarily stole his childhood indirectly granted Jason a lifetime's worth of opportunities and memorable experiences. He was preceded in death by his brother, Adam; his grandparents, John and Isabel Lanham and Fred and Lea Gaes; and his uncle, John Lanham.

Jason is survived by his loving parents, Craig and Geralyn Lanham Gaes; twin brother, Tim Gaes (Nicole); sister, Melissa Pedro (John); nieces, Maddy and Evi; nephews, Sam and Henry; and a host of relatives and friends.

Visitation will be 2-8pm on Thursday, June 28, 2018 at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals and Receptions, East Louisville Chapel, 235 Juneau Drive in Middletown. A celebration of Jason's life will be 11am Friday, June 29th at Southeast Christian Church 920 Blankenbaker Parkway Louisville, KY 40243. Burial will follow in Floydsburg Cemetery and luncheon at Southeast Christian Church.

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