Courageous Kentucky Patient Takes to the Skies in Inspiring Bucket List Skydiving Adventure

Tosha Jacobs, a 38-year-old Kentucky native, has always been an adventurer at heart. Her journey began with a Free-Fall ride at the tender age of 13, as she managed to soar through the air in breathtaking flips. Posing atop human pyramids in cheerleading routines, Jacobs has never shied away from seeking adrenaline-pumping thrills. While her zest for adventure led her to participate in roller coaster rides, the braveheart even joined bungee jumping. 

Making her life one continuous quest for excitement, Jacobs continued to feed her hunger for adrenaline-pumping feats. However, tragedy struck when she was diagnosed with a severe medical condition about seven years ago. Fighting against glioblastoma, Jacobs had to undergo numerous surgeries since the brutal discovery. Although this fierce battle against illness took a toll on her, her recent skydiving venture marked a different perspective on the admirable lady’s life. 

Persistence overcomes a gruesome sickness 

Dealing with a relentless and fast-growing brain tumor, Jacobs was forced to have rounds of chemotherapy and radiation treatments done on her. The harrowing condition took another critical toll on Tosha, limiting her ability to speak. Consequently, it caused the unfortunate woman to become increasingly isolated from societal approaches, as she felt withdrawn. However, when Lower Cape Fear Lifecare Hospice approached Jacobs with a surprise, her adventurous spirit was rekindled in no time. 

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With an unexpected opportunity to fulfill a wish from her ‘bucket list’, Jacobs was presented with a unique idea. They wished to take her to the skies through a daring skydiving experience, a trip that immediately captivated her imagination. Marketing and public relations specialist Sally Shepherd narrated, “Our whole philosophy is based on we not only care for the body but the mind and spirit”. As a former Certified Nursing Assistant, Jacobs was no stranger to the importance of holistic care. 

A skydiving endeavor like never before 

While Lower Cape Fear Lifecare’s philosophy aligned perfectly with her beliefs, Jacobs understood that caring for the mind was equally essential to physical health. The bucket list wish initiative was reinstated after the intense challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. This program, funded by an Angel Fund, aims to fulfill patients’ wishes. The funding also supports the needs of these sick individuals, helping them beyond insurance or Medicare coverage. The organization portrays a simple way of granting patients their chance to live a dream. 

From witnessing a breathtaking sunset to simply returning home to savor moments on the porch, the participants gained gleeful memories from these trips. Brimming with courage, Jacobs had one condition for her skydiving adventure, she just did not want to do it alone. While approaching her social worker, Wendy Reavis, Tosha shared the idea of this chilling experience. “It’s something I wanted to do,” Reavis said, reflecting similar excitement to Jacobs. After a couple of weather-related delays, the long-awaited day arrived on October 1st at Skydive Coastal Carolinas. 

While tandem instructor Jonathan Hartley, with over two decades of skydiving experience, guided them, the brave duo descended from a whopping height of 14,500 feet. Drifting slowly toward the landing zone, Jacobs exclaimed moments after touching down, her face still radiating the glow of the exhilarating experience. As Reavis echoed her excitement, they described the jump as ‘amazing’, labeling the moment the parachute was deployed as the best part. Tosha Jacob’s skydiving journey not only fulfilled a lifelong dream but also exemplified the power of hope for all glioblastoma patients. 

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