Jackson's Medical Bills Fund
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Jackson's Story
Jackson, 13 years old, was diagnosed with Stage IV Glioblastoma (GBM), the most aggressive form of brain cancer almost 2 1/2 years ago. After two neuro surgeries and an intensive regimen of radiation and chemotherapy he and his family were told that Jackson was in remission. Family and friends rejoiced!
July 1, 2014 Jackson and his family were given the news that they had been dreading since the diagnosis of his GBM, the tumor had returned. They were told that his tumor was incurable and that another brain surgery, accompanied by another round of chemotherapy would hopefully lengthen his life. Three months later, a follow up MRI proved the unthinkable. The tumor was not responding to chemotherapy and was growing again, so much so that it was causing pressure on his brain and resulting in symptomatic-right sided weakness and facial drooping. Thankfully, the insertion of a reservoir relieved this pressure and Jackson is, for the time being, doing better.
Jackson has exhausted his options. Paul and Catherine have researched active pediatric GBM studies and have found a study at Weill-Cornell Hospital in NYC. Their novel therapy is injecting Avastin (chemotherapy agent) directly into the arteries that feed the brain tumor. This is a much better application of the drug than global infusion because of the blood-brain barrier. The study has accepted Jackson and they can evaluate him November 3rd.
Jackson's neurosurgeon and oncologist both agree that this study is Jackson's best shot. The catch is that Paul and Catherine's health insurance may or may not cover the treatment which costs $30, 000. They will not know until the hospital bills their insurance! If the study IS covered they will still have to pay $8,000 out of pocket (not including travel expenses and lodging) for the first treatment. They have already exhausted their savings paying for Jackson's medical care for the last 2 1/2 years. These expenses include chemotherapy drugs, neurosurgery, physician and hospital bills, not to mention all of the time off work that Paul has had to take.
As a family friend and mother, I ask myself what I can do to help. I'm sure many of you are asking the same question. I lie awake at night wondering how something so horrible could happen to such a wonderful family. I find no consolation when I realize that this could happen to my family....or yours.
If you are wondering what you can do to help the Hodges, take a moment to give as much as you can so that Paul and Catherine can give Jackson "his best shot". He deserves that.
God bless every single one of you that took the time to read Jackson's story.
Irma Brand
Jackson, 13 years old, was diagnosed with Stage IV Glioblastoma (GBM), the most aggressive form of brain cancer almost 2 1/2 years ago. After two neuro surgeries and an intensive regimen of radiation and chemotherapy he and his family were told that Jackson was in remission. Family and friends rejoiced!
July 1, 2014 Jackson and his family were given the news that they had been dreading since the diagnosis of his GBM, the tumor had returned. They were told that his tumor was incurable and that another brain surgery, accompanied by another round of chemotherapy would hopefully lengthen his life. Three months later, a follow up MRI proved the unthinkable. The tumor was not responding to chemotherapy and was growing again, so much so that it was causing pressure on his brain and resulting in symptomatic-right sided weakness and facial drooping. Thankfully, the insertion of a reservoir relieved this pressure and Jackson is, for the time being, doing better.
Jackson has exhausted his options. Paul and Catherine have researched active pediatric GBM studies and have found a study at Weill-Cornell Hospital in NYC. Their novel therapy is injecting Avastin (chemotherapy agent) directly into the arteries that feed the brain tumor. This is a much better application of the drug than global infusion because of the blood-brain barrier. The study has accepted Jackson and they can evaluate him November 3rd.
Jackson's neurosurgeon and oncologist both agree that this study is Jackson's best shot. The catch is that Paul and Catherine's health insurance may or may not cover the treatment which costs $30, 000. They will not know until the hospital bills their insurance! If the study IS covered they will still have to pay $8,000 out of pocket (not including travel expenses and lodging) for the first treatment. They have already exhausted their savings paying for Jackson's medical care for the last 2 1/2 years. These expenses include chemotherapy drugs, neurosurgery, physician and hospital bills, not to mention all of the time off work that Paul has had to take.
As a family friend and mother, I ask myself what I can do to help. I'm sure many of you are asking the same question. I lie awake at night wondering how something so horrible could happen to such a wonderful family. I find no consolation when I realize that this could happen to my family....or yours.
If you are wondering what you can do to help the Hodges, take a moment to give as much as you can so that Paul and Catherine can give Jackson "his best shot". He deserves that.
God bless every single one of you that took the time to read Jackson's story.
Irma Brand
Organizer
Irma Fernandez-Brand
Organizer
Austin, TX
