At just 21 years old, Jake Sendler knew what he wanted in life and intended to do whatever he could to make his dream come true.
The young Melbourne man spent hours in the gym every day following his career as a professional mixed martial arts fighter.
He cared for his body, ate well, and was already competing as a semi-poo.
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Jake looked like a photo of his health from the outside, but his body slowly died inside.
Jake unconsciously suffered from a serious condition in which his muscles broke down, releasing chemicals into the blood, and damaging his organs.
In the tragic twist of fate, the very thing Jake strived for – a dream that he was so close to achieving, kills him.
Jake’s mother is now determined to spread awareness about the condition she describes as a “silent killer” in order to save the lives of other extreme athletes.
‘Fighter’
Sharone Sendler described his son as someone who “radiated positive energy” and lived an absolute maximum life.
“From a young age he was that cocky boy climbing trees,” she told 7news.com.au.
“I know everything he does, he just does it with full passion and he loves deeply.”
Jake spent a lot of time helping others while working to achieve his personal goals.
When studying health sciences and physical education in college, Jake worked as a personal trainer and coached children. He educated me about the importance of exercise and physical activity.
Like professional MMA fighters, he also dreamed of becoming a PE teacher.
“His dream was to really impact the lives of young people and help them reach their dreams through sports and fitness and make themselves great,” Sharon said.
Jake was extremely motivated and determined, and trained at the gym for 3-4 hours a day.
“He was doing everything he needed to do everything he could,” Sharon said.
“He’s proud of his body fat by about 9% and worked to make sure he’s in peak fitness.”
In the weeks leading up to the final battle on March 2nd, Jake felt a little unwell, but he thought it wasn’t normal.
He noticed that his urine was getting dark, but he dehydrated it.
Jake’s muscles were also quite painful, but again, that was normal for those who trained so much.
In a pre-match interview, Jake appeared to be his normal self and he entered the ring, as usual, which seemed ready and determined.
The 21-year-old managed to get through all three rounds of the fight, but as soon as it was over he became very quickly uncomfortable.
“Like a warrior who never gives up and he’s pushing himself,” Sharone said.
“When he couldn’t leave from it, they thought he was dehydrated. They took him behind and didn’t call an ambulance.
“They were probably thinking… they would either give him hydration or he had a concussion, but he complained that he couldn’t breathe.”
Jake was eventually taken to St. Vincent’s hospital, where doctors confirmed he had a severe case of rhabdomyolysis or Rabd.
Rhabdomyolysis is caused by severe tissue damage to the muscles. When this occurs, the muscles break down and release chemicals such as proteins, called myoglobin, into the bloodstream.
This can lead to kidney failure and can also change the balance of electrolytes in the body, resulting in heart and other organ problems.
If not treated promptly, the condition is fatal.
Those who have participated in extreme exercises such as marathon runners and those who play CrossFit are also at risk.
By the time Jake was taken to the hospital, his organs were already in the process of closure.
“His muscles were already beginning to release toxins into his body, but that was his organs (his organs)… especially his kidneys,” Sharon said.
“When he stepped into the ring… for his final battle, he was already in organ failure.”
The doctor said he had never seen a case of Rhabdo so severe and was shocked to have been able to push through for a long time, not to mention competition.
Jake’s family was brought in to say goodbye, and he was placed in a guided coma state.
Despite the odds piled up against him, Jake managed to stick.
“Jake started saying goodbye because he is a fighter, but we told him to hang out there and show them and continue fighting.
He underwent several surgeries, but Jake’s final surgery on intestine proved too much, and 10 days later he died surrounded by his family.
A proper breakup was impossible as Jake never woke up from coma, but Sharon shared a special moment with his son before he passed away.
“I came up to him and said to him, “I’m so proud of your baby, you’re the best fighter, you fought so hard. I think it’s time to rest now.
“And then I kissed him on the forehead and that was the moment he literally passed away. That’s the moment I’ll never forget.”
Warning for elite athletes
Shalone said there is a need for serious cultural change among elite athletes who have been given no idea what Loved is, including Jake’s trainer.
She said Jake loves the combat community and doesn’t want them to be held accountable, but emphasized that elite athletes need to know what happens as a result of extreme training.
“It was a real shame because everything he was working, he thought he was perfect for you… how do you know that your muscles poison you?” Sharon said.
“If he went with the doctor to do a whole blood test, they could have picked it up.
“Jake isn’t unique, more and more people are pushing their bodies.
“The doctor needs to be your best friend.”
