Jack Tipton

On February 17, 2013, precious little Jack Anthony was born to Alicia and Colin Tipton. Months prior, it was discovered during ultrasound, that their son would have a very rare high risk condition called CDH (Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia.) 50% of babies diagnosed with this condition do not survive infancy.  

Though home was Saskatoon, SK, Canada, it was recommend that Jack be born in Edmonton, AB to be closer to the Stollery Children's hospital. Shortly after birth, Jack receive a hernia repair surgery and spent the first months of his life in NICU and  PICU. This was a very difficult time for him and his family. 

Despite his first critical months, Jack grew to be a very active toddler and little boy. He eventually began attending preschool, became a big brother to Jesse, started Kindergarten and then this past September started Grade 1.

On October 3rd, 2019, 6 year old Jack Tipton was experiencing abdominal pain. Concerned, his parents brought him to emergency, where they soon discovered that he had  "re" herniated and needed emergency surgery.  During the surgery,  they discovered that some of his small intestine had necrotized. It was a very touch and go situation as his body was going septic. After a series of surgeries, he was finally stabilized and was able to recover. At this point, everyone  awaited for what was hoping to be the "final" surgery where his organs would be reconnected. 

On December 12th, about 2 months after being admitted to the hospital, Jack was having the "final surgery," which ended up being done in 2 parts.   They  were going to reconnect his small intestine and stomach which would allow Jack to be able to ingest food again, orally, but to all of our surprise, it was discovered that his entire small intestine necrotized and the hope of Jack being able to eat again seemed bleak. It was at this point that the possibility of transplant was mentioned. Jack remained in hospital during this entire time, recovering and being nourished solely through TPN (Total parenteral nutrition). TPN is where fluids are given into a vein to provide most of the nutrients the body needs.

This February, after having been in the Jim Pattison Children's hospital for 5 months, Jack was flown to Edmonton for transplant assessment. He was a good candidate and so returned home back to the Saskatoon hospital,  to await the call.

17 days later, on March 5th it was time. They had to return to Edmonton by plane in order to prepare for the multi-visceral transplant.

On March 6th, he was given the most precious gift of a new stomach, liver, small intestine and pancreas. He is now currently recovering, undergoing many tests and will remain in the Edmonton hospital for a minimum of 3 months, possibly 6 or even longer.  

Since October 3rd, Jack has slept in a hospital bed, he has never been left alone during this hospital stay and some say that this is the reason he is such a fighter.  Jack's parents have  a beautiful small group of family that have been helping to care for Jack as well as their other son Jesse during this very challenging time for their family. 

I know that neither Alicia or Colin would ever seek any financial subsidy, though I have had many of you reach out and ask me how you can help and whether there was a gofundme page set up for them, so here it is.

First and foremost prayers are the greatest gift, and can never be under appreciated. However if any of you feel inclined to help with the incurred costs of parking, meals, air travel, ground travel, air ambulance to Edmonton, hotels, other accommodations and more, please consider making a contribution of any size to help support their family.  As Alicia's sister and Jack's Aunty, I can say that this entire situation has been carried by the prayers of many and the love in the hearts of those in Jack's immediate circle and beyond. Thank you for your sincere consideration.