Jackson's Story

Jackson is our inspiration. His diagnosis came three days after Christmas in 2006. I remember Dr. Keller saying that he would have to stay on treatment for three-and- a-half years, and thinking that was almost as long as he had been alive. He was three and three quarters when he was diagnosed; so little, yet so strong. He finished his treatments in March of 2010 and had his port removed in April that same year.

Jackson, as well as the rest of the family, learned so much during his treatments. We learned medical terminology and drug effects; but we also learned that you cannot put a price on how a smile can brighten your day, or how doing something for others really does make you feel better. Jackson grew up going to the hospital and seeing children with all sorts of disabilities. He knows that all children and grown-ups, no matter their physical limitations, are worthy of our respect and love, for which I am forever grateful.

As parents, we were devastated at Jackson’s initial diagnosis, but we have gained so many friends and adopted family over the last few years. We are blessed that Jackson is in remission and that we had wonderful organizations like CURE, to facilitate getting cancer families together. There is such a strong bond among families who have gone through this. We consider them adopted family members! We continue to pray for our dear friends who are still on treatments, and for the hope that one day we can all look back and remember the day when a cure was found.