Christmas break this past year(2024) Jaxxon developed a bad case of diarrhea and severe pain each time he had to make a bowel movement. Over the course of three or four days it did not subside and became worse. Jaxxon started to have blood in his feces. The bleeding became so severe that it came out like water from a faucet. My Sister Jaxxon’s Mother Stacy took him to the doctor to get him checked on a Friday. The doctor prescribed antibiotics and advised he may have a bacterial infection in his colon. Stacy immediately started Jaxxon on the antibiotic regimen as prescribed by the Doctor. The diarrhea and bleeding did not subside and the bleeding appeared to be getting worse. Monday morning Stacy took Jaxxon back the doctor. The Doctor advised Stacy to immediately take Jaxxon to St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital in Tampa. Up to that point Jaxxon had lost almost 8 pounds which is a significant amount for him as he only weighs 55 or so lbs. to begin with. The hospital admitted him to the children’s unit and began running tests. Over the course of the next week or so Jaxxon underwent many tests including multiple daily blood draws, MRI’s, X-rays, a CT Scan, EKG’s, 3 IV’s and eventually two surgical scopes. The doctors were perplexed and did not know a diagnosis for the first few days. Stacy and Howard (his father) were upset and didn’t know what to expect. It was a very scary time for their family as they hoped and prayed their worst fears would not come to fruition. When the reports and pictures of the scopes came back it appeared Jaxxon had lacerations and cuts internally from his esophagus to his colon which is why he was bleeding so badly. The doctors diagnosed him ulcerative colitis but later changed the diagnosis to Crohns disease an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks itself specifically the digestive tract from esophagus to rectum. Jaxxon was still bleeding severely so they prescribed him what seemed crazy amounts of medications for a ten year old. The doctors advised Stacy and Howard that Jaxxon would need to be on several medications the rest of his life. They further advised that Jaxxon will have severe dietary restrictions and will need to consume a very controlled and calculated diet also for the rest of his life.

While Jaxxon was undergoing testing at the hospital it was determined he also has a rare heart condition. He will eventually need a surgical procedure to correct it. The cardiologists advised that the procedure can be done as he gets older. This was also a huge surprise to his family. After being released from the hospital he was put on a heart monitor for 14 days, and now he will be put on another one for 30 days. 

All in all Jaxxon spent three weeks in the hospital with Stacy by his side. It was very stressful for all. When Jaxxon was released he was still on several Medications that were very expensive as insurance doesn’t cover some of them. They struggle to purchase them due to the high cost. This would normally not be an issue for them as Howard is self employed. However, in September of 2024 Howard went to work for a company based out of Brooksville, Florida. He worked for the company from September to November. He left the company when he realized the company had no intentions of paying him. In fact, as it turns out the company took advantage of his expertise in storm clean up and restoration by promising him a high pay reward but never delivered. The owner of the company promptly closed the company and retired in January with all the funds made after the storm. Recovery efforts have been futile as the owner had malicious intentions from the onset. This has caused a severe financial hardship for their family as they spent their savings to survive September to November. Howard works everyday as he’s attempting to recover from the hard times they were maliciously subjected to.

Since coming home Jaxxon is upbeat but misses a great deal of school because of the pain and need to utilize the bathroom in an emergent manner. Jaxxon has good days and bad days with many ups and downs. This disease is very unpredictable as the family tries to navigate him through regulating his diet and medications. It’s been a few weeks since his discharge from the hospital and he’s still severely inflamed and lacerated through his digestive tract.

This fundraiser will be utilized for expenses related to Jaxxon’s care and medications now and in the future. The medications are expensive and not all covered by insurance. As Jaxxon’s Aunt it is hard to live so far away from them and not be able to assist them. Stacy and Howard have done so much for so many in need over the years. Their selfless acts go unreported and without thanks as they are modest and not wanting recognition for their generosity. We appreciate any help you can give. Thank you!