Created in Memory of Jake Pennar

The It’s a New Day Foundation preserves the lasting legacy and influence of Jake Pennar. Jake was diagnosed with brain cancer in October 2018 and battled for 2.5 long years before going to heaven on January 20th, 2021. During those years, his faith and strength deeply impacted us as we saw his soul blossoming as a saint even though his body was failing him. Jake’s heart broke for kids at the hospital who had no moms and dads with them and he prayed fervently for them. He started a toy drive and raised over 500 toys while sick and weak from chemotherapy. When he received candy as gifts to make him feel better, he would give them away to the homeless. He helped raise money and threw a big fancy party for 10 other families impacted by pediatric illness to provide a night of hope and respite. His strength was incredible, as was his attitude. After receiving radiation, he would get sick to his stomach, take a nap, and then get up and go play baseball on his competitive team (and he played amazingly well). Everyone around Jake was influenced by his example. In 2020 his cancer relapsed for the third time and there were no more treatment options. After finding out the news and seeing his Mama crying the next day he said, “Mama, why are you still sad? It’s a new day!” He always sought to comfort others in their afflictions instead of focusing on his own - the name of the Foundation, ‘It’s a New Day,’ honors that. We know Jake is restored and healthy in Heaven with our Lord.    The Foundation carries on the legacy that Jake started with toy drives and parties for other families going through similar struggles and reflects his amazing attitude that asks all of us to: Live Like Jake, Love Like Jake, and have Faith Like Jake. Team Jake Forever! Go #21.

Our Mission

In response to Jesus’ Great Commandments and the extraordinary life of Jake Pennar, the Foundation exists to meet the identified and unknown needs of children and their families impacted by pediatric cancer, life-threatening illness, hospitalization. The Foundation serves directly and indirectly through gifts (monetary and in-kind), events, and programs that go directly to children and their families, hospitals, or other organizations that then directly benefit children and/or their families. The Foundation serves children and their families from diagnosis through cure, or through circumstances of child death as long as families maintain a need for support.

Biblical Mandate

The Foundation upholds and serves through “who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” Moreover, because Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world,” the Foundation acts as the “salt of the earth” and “light of the world” in order to “let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”