Justin Timberlake Buys New Wheelchair-Accessible Van For Teenager With Cerebral Palsy

By kncipat on December 4, 2020

Photo by Jane Barlow/PA Images via Getty Images

Jake Stitt is known for spreading happiness. In fact he’s somewhat of a local celebrity in Morristown, Tennessee. The 17 year old often sits outside in his wheelchair next to a huge sign that says, “Honk If You’re Happy.” And with every honk Jake loudly whoops in delight. When he was 2 Jake was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. His dad, Tim, is Jake’s sole caretaker. “I’m just worried about dropping him.” Tim’s a big guy but as Jake has gotten older he’s gotten big too. The family has a van but it’s not wheelchair friendly. Tim has to physically lift Jake in and out of the van. Recently Tim’s hands have grown numb because of the lifting. A friend noticed this and started a gofundme to try to get Tim and Jake a wheelchair accessible van. The story went viral and was noticed by Justin Timberlake.

“He caught the story and was just very touched with what was going on with this thing and he wanted to reach out and decided that he wanted to purchase the van for Jacob and his needs,” Tim said. Jake and Tim got a zoom call from Timberlake who told them the good news. 

“It was just a very blessing to be able to speak to that gentleman and for him to be able to meet Jake and see what he needed,” Stitt said.

The delivery was a parade of trucks, cars, emergency vehicles sounding sirens and finally the new van for Jake. Tearing up Tim said, “It’s not that he’s my son that’s special. It’s that I get to be his dad.” 

Merry Christmas Jake and Tim. And God Bless you Justin Timberlake.