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Lynn Haven Child Wins Tickets
10/16/09 - 04:59 PM
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A Bay County child’s dreams come true this week thanks to a local radio station.  Jake Hendon is 6 years old and lives in Lynn Haven. He also lives with autism.

His mother called into a contest on 107.9 PFM this week and won 2 tickets to see Jake’s hero live in concert.  Two meet and greet passes are included and Jake’s hoping that he might just get a glimpse of Miley. 

What’s the only thing that Jake ever wants? : “Jake what do you want?  Han Tan!”...and that’s short for Hannah Montana, Jake’s favorite musician.  This 6 year old just loves Hannah Montana and her music:  “One, two, one two three!  See? He’s rockin’ out for ya.”

But just two years ago Jake didn’t rock out.  Jake is a child living with autism and it was two years ago that his mother discovered that Jake was stimulated by music, particularly Miley Cyrus’ music:  “It motivates him. I mean, he says about 20 words, but ‘Han-Tan’ he says continuously.”

Florida State Univeristy’s Early Childhood Autism Program provides therapy for Jake. A lot of his skills learning is based on positive reinforcement using none other than Hannah Montana.

It’s been a long road, but Jake has made lots of progress. Jake’s favorite song to sing is “Fly Away” because he’s excited about flying for the first time on an airplane to see Miley in concert.

Today Kenna, Jake and the rest of the Hendon family went to meet “6 Pack” at 107.9 PFM to get their cameras and t-shirts to carry to Dallas.  6 Pack says that they’re overjoyed that Jake might finally meet Miley:  “You hear of celebrities that can’t get their kids into a Miley Cyrus show, let alone in a suite that’s catered, tickets to that sound check and an opportunity to see her perform live…and we really, really couldn’t be more excited for her and for Jake, too.”

The George Butchikas Foundation for Autism Fundraiser is on Sunday, October 25th at 6pm at Angelo’s Steak House. The foundation is responsible for providing children like Jake with the money for therapy. The cost is $50 for all you can eat buffet.  Tickets are available by calling the restaurant at .