Jake Schuster, a rising sophomore at San Marino High School, received the Extraordinary Child Award from UCLA’s Mattel Children’s Hospital at a fundraising event that brought in a record-breaking $3.5 million to support pediatric research. Eva Marie, a WWE Superstar, presented the award to Jake at the event that was held in Culver City. Born with several physical ailments, Jake has undergone 21 surgeries in his 15 years – all at UCLA’s Mattel Children’s Hospital – with remarkable success. Jake’s doctors, nurses and technicians admire his positive attitude and courage.
“I was so proud of Jake,” Carl Schuster, Jake’s father, said. “Hearing his story told and having so many people touched by his courage. He received a standing ovation and was as happy as I’ve ever seen him. He had his San Marino posse by his side. Eva Marie and Kate Hudson weren’t bad company but the highlight of his evening was Luc Robataille presenting the award to him. He was happy to see all of his doctors and even nurses show up who were in the delivery room when he was born.”
Several of Jake’s friends – including Wheeler Smith, Samia Nikoui-Smith, Peyton Diaz, Darren Li, Max Bradley and Charlie Daves – were in attendance at the banquet that hosted 650 guests.
Actress Kate Hudson was honored with the hospital’s Kaleidoscope Award. Lori and Michael Milken received the hospital’s highest honor, The Philanthropic Leader.
The gifts are part of the Centennial Campaign for UCLA, a $4.2 billon fundraising drive scheduled to conclude in 2019.
Jake is the son of Carl Schuster, mother, Laura Schuster, and stepmother, Leslie.
