Hi, my name is Lindsay Ladd, and I'm a close friend of the Donofrio family. I'm organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Jackson and his family after his unexpected diagnosis of Burkitt lymphoma.

Just days ago, 15-year-old Jackson was diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma and began treatment at Boston Children's Hospital.

"Will I lose my hair?" That was the very first question 15-year-old Jackson Donofrio asked after learning he had cancer. Not about chemotherapy. Not about the hospital. Not about what the next several months would look like. He wanted to know if he was going to lose his hair. It was such a Jackson question. Before cancer, Jackson was simply...Jackson.

He's the kid who loves beating his mom at Fortnite, convinces his dad to watch "just one more episode" until it's way too late, loves terrible horror movies, and can always make his brothers and step-siblings laugh. Without hesitation, he'll jump in to help his mom with his youngest brother, who has autism spectrum disorder (ASD). He's a fullback on his high school soccer team and joined the tennis team this year because a friend said they needed players or they wouldn’t have a team. He loves spending time behind his drum set, and somehow balances it all while taking AP classes. Earlier this year, he decided he wanted to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist because he wants to help people through some of the hardest moments of their lives. That's the kind of kid he is.

Just days ago, Jackson and his mom were watching one of those wonderfully awful horror movies, laughing about some unusual stomach symptoms he'd been having. Right before bed, he walked in holding his phone, convinced he'd figured out what was wrong. He had found a video about a parasite outbreak in fruits and vegetables. His mom smiled and said, "That probably isn't possible—you don't eat anything green." Jackson paused, laughed, and replied, "Oh yeah...fair point." The next morning, they expected a quick visit to the family doctor followed by breakfast at Dunkin'. Instead, Jackson was admitted to Boston Children's Hospital, where he was diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma—an aggressive but highly treatable form of childhood cancer. In less than a week, he's endured countless tests, invasive procedures, and has already begun chemotherapy. Overnight, his world became doctors, medications, and hospital rooms.

And yet, somehow, he's still exactly who he's always been. Coming out of anesthesia after a procedure his mom asked if he wanted another mango smoothie. He didn’t miss a beat when he said, "I don't want diabetes. I already have cancer." As Jackson begins months of chemotherapy and recovery, he deserves to have the people who love him most right beside him—not worrying about missed paychecks, mounting expenses, or whether they can afford to be there. His mom's paid leave is extremely limited, and his dad is actively searching for work. Your generosity will help relieve the financial burden of cancer so their focus can remain where it belongs: on Jackson's treatment, healing, and the moments that matter most.

Your donation will help with:

• Lost income while Jackson's parents stay by his side during treatment

• Medical and prescription expenses not covered by insurance

• Transportation, parking, meals, and lodging for frequent trips to Boston Children's Hospital

• Household expenses so the family can focus entirely on Jackson's care

This fundraiser will help ease the financial burden on his family so they can focus on what matters most—Jackson's healing.

If you'd like to follow Jackson's journey, his mom is sharing updates on CaringBridge: Jackson's Journey (https://www.caringbridge.org/site/a7ec8192-8059-11f1-83a6-a9dd1b557e84?utm_source=website_share&utm_medium=share_button&utm_term=&utm_content=link_share_button&utm_campaign=private_home_page)

More than anything, your gift gives Jackson the chance to face each day with the people he loves most by his side. Whether you donate, share Jackson's story, or simply keep him in your thoughts and prayers, thank you for becoming part of Jackson’s team.

Thank you for reading Jackson's story and for supporting him in any way you can.