As you all know my brother-in-law is at John R. Oishei Children's Hospital in Buffalo, NY. On Tuesday 12/27/2022 Jack's life was changed dramatically. For you that don't know, Jack was diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder called Transverse Myelitis. (Transverse Myelitis is an inflammation of both sides of one section of the spinal cord. This neurological disorder often damages the insulating material covering nerve cell fibers. Transverse Myelitis interrupts the messages that the spinal cord nerves send throughout the body. This can cause pain, muscle weakness, paralysis, sensory problems, or bladder and bowel dysfunction.

Normally this disorder affects lower in the spine so they can at least move their arms and upper body. In Jack's case, it is located in the upper spine around his neck so he has all the symptoms including paralysis from the neck down. He can move his right hand with very minimal movements but that is the only thing that has come back with feeling. There is no cure for Transverse Myelitis so it is a guessing game with the treatment. They already tried a 5-day steroid infusion and that had no success. They are moving on to try different treatment plans. We have been told this could be permanent depending on how well he responds to different treatments. If treatments do possibly work and he gets some sensations back he is looking at having to do therapy for 6 months to a year or longer. As you can imagine for any parent this has been very scary and stressful. No parent wants to watch their kid go through what Jack is going through. Gigi and Gene have been with him every day since he went into the hospital. They are trying to understand this disorder better and trying to accept the fact that their child's life has changed possibly forever. With that being said they both are not working right now and are unsure when they will be able to return to work full-time again.

So what can we do? We are asking for prayers! Also, we are asking for donations to help take a little stress off of the Whitakers as they navigate through their new normal. They are making multiple trips a day back and forth from home and the hospital to make sure their animals are also being taken care of. When Jack discharges (we are unaware of when this will be) he will be in a wheelchair and hospital bed. With that being said they are having to make major changes to their home to accommodate his needs going forward. We just ask that if you feel led to help them with expenses, please give from your heart! Any help or donation will be greatly appreciated. Gigi will post updates on her page and I will try and post regular updates here as well. Again, thank you for the continued prayers and donations in this difficult time.