Jack's Lymphoma Fight

"In an instant, your entire world can change right before your eyes. The rug ripped out from beneath your feet, and life, as you knew it, forever changed. This is what just happened to us".    So this where we begin, Jack had been experiencing abdominal pain over the course of several weeks. After 5 trips to the local doctor and hospital jack was once again sent home doctors saying this is common in young children. On Saturday the 9th of March Jack woke in extreme pain and crying out to his dad. Ricky took him to Caboolture Hospital where an ultrasound was performed and they discovered Jack had an intussusception of the intestine and a polyp was also found.  Jack was immediately sent to the QLD children’s hospital and surgery was scheduled for the Monday the 11thMarch. Keyhole surgery was performed and the intestine had reverted but the polyp had moved and was unable to be located. Surgery was then re scheduled for Wednesday the 13thwhere doctors would remove the lower part of the bowel, polyp and appendix. Doctors were happy they were able to remove the polyp in tact and it was then sent off for testing.  Jack didn’t recover very well from surgery; he had experienced extremely high temperatures, and started experiencing breathing problems. It was then they discovered that Jacks lung had collapsed and he was put into therapy to help treat this and also placed on antibiotics to clear up infection.   Late on Friday the 15th of March Ricky received the most devastating news. Jack had been diagnosed with Burkitt’s lymphoma. This is a fast-growing cancer that is rapidly fatal if left untreated.  Burkitts lymphoma is an aggressive form of lymphoma that affects the B-lymphocytes. It accounts for approximately 0.3-1.3% of all non-Hodgkin lymphomas.   He has already been through many torturous days of tests, blood draws, biopsies and surgery. As of today March 25thhe is having his port placed and the extensive chemo treatment begins. The road is unknown as to how long Jack will undergo treatment for but what we do know is this surely is one hell of a fight.   Our little champion is 8 years old. Jack has a love of everything sport and that is what makes Jack! He excels at everything he puts his heart and soul into. From football to cross country and BMX bike riding. Jack is passionate for not only sport but also his love for school, his friends and especially his big sister Caitlin and his dad.  Ricky is a single dad and has no family support in QLD.  We are doing our best to help him out as much as we can and are going to be there for Jack, Ricky and Caitlin as much and as often as we can. Ricky has had to give up his job and become Jacks full time carer whilst he undergoes extensive treatment.   As we embark on the scariest, most enduring journey of our lives, I beg that everyone prays for Jacks full recovery. This world needs his love and light. Life is precious. Our Loved ones, even more so. Treat them as such.   Jack and his family are in for a long journey ahead and financials should be the last thing they have to take on.  No one should ever have to endure this. Please, anything you can donate, even if all you can do is share Jacks story it would mean the world to his family and supporters. You are appreciated by his family who has been by his side as this has unfolded. Nanna Catherine and Aunty Ashleigh