On November 25, 2019, Jacob—a sweet, bright-eyed boy full of life and laughter—tragically passed away at just three years old. His death came after a valiant battle with pelvic embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of soft tissue cancer that primarily affects infants and young children.

Jacob’s journey captured the hearts of many, and though his time on Earth was far too short, his legacy continues to inspire. That legacy lives on through Jacob’s Join, a charitable fund created in his name to raise money for research into rhabdomyosarcoma. But it wasn’t just Jacob’s family that championed this cause. To the surprise of many, WWE legend Hulk Hogan stepped forward during Jacob’s lifetime to become the face and voice of the campaign.

💪 The Hulkster with a Heart

Known around the world for his iconic mustache, ripped muscles, and larger-than-life wrestling persona, Hulk Hogan (real name Terry Bollea) built his fame in the ring—but outside of it, he’s shown a much softer, deeply compassionate side. After hearing Jacob’s story through a mutual connection in the pediatric cancer advocacy community, Hogan was moved to act.

“I’ve slammed giants and battled villains in the ring,” Hogan said at a fundraising gala in 2019, “but nothing compares to the courage this little dude showed every single day. Jacob was the real hero, brother.”

In a rare move that stunned fans and fellow celebrities alike, Hogan took time away from public appearances to personally visit Jacob and his family while Jacob was undergoing treatment. That meeting, described by those close to the family as “emotional, unforgettable, and full of joy,” sparked the beginning of Hogan’s deep commitment to Jacob’s Join.

💛 Jacob’s Join: Fighting for a Brighter Future

Jacob’s Join is a Special Named Fund under the Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG). The fund’s goal is to support groundbreaking research into rhabdomyosarcoma in hopes of improving early diagnosis, treatment options, and long-term outcomes for children.

Thanks to support from public figures like Hulk Hogan, the fund gained national and international attention. Merchandise featuring Jacob’s likeness alongside Hogan’s iconic “WHATCHA GONNA DO” slogan was sold to benefit research, and limited-edition wristbands, t-shirts, and posters helped raise both awareness and critical funding.

“Jacob fought harder than anyone I’ve seen in the ring,” Hogan said. “We owe it to him—and to every other kid fighting cancer—to keep going until we find a cure.”

🎗 A Real-Life Superhero

Despite his persona as a powerful and fearless wrestler, Hogan’s work with Jacob’s Join revealed a more vulnerable and determined side. He regularly posted updates about the fund on his social media channels, often referring to Jacob as “my little tag team partner.”

More than just lending his name, Hogan actively participated in organizing charity events—ranging from fitness challenges and autograph signings to virtual fundraisers during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

One particularly memorable event took place just weeks before Jacob’s passing. Hulk Hogan hosted a “Legends for Jacob” event in Florida, bringing together fellow wrestling icons to raise funds and send messages of encouragement to Jacob and other young cancer fighters. The event raised over $100,000 in one night.

🔬 The Urgent Need for Rhabdomyosarcoma Research

Rhabdomyosarcoma is rare but deadly. Most common in children under 10, it often presents with vague symptoms and can be difficult to detect until the disease has progressed. Treatment is typically aggressive—combining surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation—leaving many children with lifelong side effects.

Despite decades of medical advancement, survival rates for high-risk or recurrent cases remain alarmingly low. Many therapies in use today are based on old protocols, which lack the precision and gentleness that young bodies desperately need.

That’s why funds like Jacob’s Join are critical. They help close the funding gap in pediatric cancer research—especially for rare cancers that don’t receive the attention or investment they deserve.

💬 A Family’s Thanks

Jacob’s parents, Mark and Vanessa, expressed profound gratitude for Hulk Hogan’s involvement.

“Having someone like Hulk Hogan believe in our son—it meant the world,” they said. “He didn’t do it for fame or headlines. He did it because he cared. And because of that, Jacob felt like a hero too.”

They recall how Hogan’s visits lifted Jacob’s spirits, how he would watch old wrestling matches in the hospital and imitate Hogan’s signature poses, shouting “Whatcha gonna do, cancer?!”

🕊 Remembering Jacob

After Jacob’s passing in late 2019, Hogan issued a heartfelt tribute on his social media, sharing a photo of the two together with the caption:

“He fought with more heart than any man I’ve ever known. Rest easy, Jacob. I’ll carry your spirit into every battle from here on.”

The post went viral, with thousands of fans sharing memories, condolences, and support. The following month, Hogan auctioned off one of his classic yellow-and-red wrestling outfits, donating 100% of the proceeds—over $75,000—to Jacob’s Join.

🤝 Carrying the Legacy Forward

Though Jacob is no longer here, his spirit lives on in the movement he inspired. Hulk Hogan continues to promote Jacob’s Join, attending pediatric cancer awareness events, visiting children in hospitals, and reminding his millions of followers to “fight like Jacob.”

In a recent interview, Hogan said:

“When I stepped into that little boy’s hospital room, I expected to give him strength. But instead, he gave it to me. Jacob taught me that being a hero isn’t about muscle—it’s about heart.”

📣 Join the Fight

Jacob’s story, and Hulk Hogan’s unexpected yet deeply genuine involvement, prove that no act of kindness is too small, and no legacy too short to change the world. Through courage, love, and action, Jacob’s Join continues to push for answers, hope, and ultimately—a cure.

To learn more or to donate to rhabdomyosarcoma research in Jacob’s name, visit:
👉 www.cclg.org.uk/jacobsjoin