In 2017, alongside Penguin Random House, Jake released ‘What Cancer Taught Me’, a 270 page account of his story and everything he learnt along the way. This book rocketed to the top of the charts in New Zealand and stayed there for 8 weeks, cementing its place as a #1 bestseller.

“Before I got sick I was dying to get home from school. I was dying for the weekends. I was dying for the school holidays. And then before I knew it I was dying in Christchurch Hospital”

Jake Bailey’s inspirational end-of-year speech as head boy at Christchurch Boys’ High School was delivered from a wheelchair just one week after he was diagnosed with the most aggressive of cancers. As he lay in hospital fighting to stay alive, his speech grabbed headlines around the world.

Jake’s cancer, and that speech, became the start of a bigger journey that continues today. In this remarkably honest account of his illness, treatment and recovery, Jake shares all that the experience has taught him. 

Confronting the possibility of death has led Jake to re-evaluate all that he took for granted in life and to encourage others to do the same. His book is an uplifting call to action to people of all ages.

Available on Amazon and in all good book stores now.