Team Jackson

As I sit here on this fold away couch at MCV hospital, I watch my son dressed in a hospital gown and a bandaged shaved head with attached wires, playing the game he loves on his Play Station that he will never play again on the field, the tears begin to flow down my face.  For the Rivera family, hospitalizations and doctor’s visits have been the norm for years now.  In June of 2011, Jackson was diagnosed with a benign tumor in the right frontal lobe of his brain that was removed days later.  After years of continuous MRI’s, numerous doctor’s visits, anti-seizure medications, and the presence of terrifying seizures Jackson’s tumor had resurfaced. Just 6 days ago, my son underwent his second painful surgery which consisted of removing the tumor and installing grids on his brain to monitor any suspicious activity during his stay in the hospital.  This coming Wednesday, the skillful surgical team at MCV will perform yet another surgery to remove the grids and the remaining affected areas.  Of course, after the completion of his hospital stay, his will continue to have scans every three months as well as remain on a significant amount of medication.  Currently, he is a student at Longwood University and we hope he will return with a lighter schedule this fall.  With a medical plan in place, he will be closely monitored.  Our family is not only asking for your prayers, but any additional assistance with the help of medical bills would be welcomed. God bless each and every one of you!