The Littlefields for Jack's medical expenses

If you know Lindsey and Joey, you know that they are proud parents who have only ever asked for prayers for their little boy. The family has been overwhelmed by the generosity of so many who love them and have asked to provide support for Jack's medical needs. Here is a glimpse into Jack's journey.

Jackson was just one year old when he first choked on August 7, 2011. Lindsey performed the Heimlich Maneuver on him while calling 911. He was taken to the hospital by ambulance where he was rushed back to surgery. They found food stuck in his esophagus, an abnormality, and a tear in his esophagus. The doctor performed a Thoracotomy to repair the issue. Jack spent four days in the PICU on oxygen with chest tubes and an NG tube. Between August 2011 and May 2012, Jack continued to choke and had multiple esophageal dilations. In June of 2012, Jack had a feeding tube placed due to needing a procedure called a Nissen Fundoplication and Pylormyotomy. The feeding tube was taken out after 5 months of successful thriving and healing.

2012-2016 brought many more esophageal dilations and a traumatic hospital experience with a physician. For the next two years, Jack was able to swallow and eat which allowed him to thrive and grow. In 2017 Jack experienced more issues, esophageal biopsies, and tests which led family to Cook Children’s in Fort Worth to see a GI specialist. The visits brought some inconclusive results and no solid plan.

The next three years held calm for the family with little need for medical attention for Jack. However, by May of 2021, Jack was not eating much, complaining of being full, and losing weight. After multiple visits to Ft. Worth, Esophagrams, EGDs, biopsies, and Manometry studies, Jack was diagnosed with Esophageal Gastric Junction Outflow Obstruction. This is a rare esophageal motility disorder. In November 2021, Jackson had an EGD with dilation and Botox injections. Botox is used to relax the muscle where the delayed release is occurring. It seemed as though Jack was quickly thriving and gaining weight and energy back. In June of 2022, Jackson started complaining again of food sticking. After an Esophagram in Lubbock, and a virtual visit with the GI doctor in Ft. Worth, everyone was on board that another dilation and Botox round was necessary.

Jackson’s family has fought high insurance costs and deductibles for the past 11 years. Due to a job change in 2011, the family was hit with three deductibles in six months. At one point, the family had over $40,000 in medical debt. Jackson has been denied medical assistance once, and the family is still fighting.

Jackson needs to travel back to Cook Children's this month for another EGD, dilation, and Botox round. The Littlefields have to pay up front for the insurance deductible which is over $6600, and 20% of costs after the annual deductible is met. In addition to the deductible and coinsurance, expenses for Jackson's care include post visits, travel, lodging, and meals.

Please know that any support provided to the Littlefields will help to relieve these parents from the stress that no one should experience when seeking care and relief for their child.