Thumbs up for Jack
Donation protected
Kain, Grace and their two children Jack and Saxon have been through more than any family should have to withstand. Four years ago their lives were turned upside down when their eldest son Jack, who is now 7, was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer. Jack has endured countless procedures and 5 major surgeries in his short life, his fifth and final surgery, 4 weeks ago, was a success however only to the extent that it has lengthened the borrowed time that they have left with him.
Anyone that knows the Kemp family are aware they are not ones to ask for help, they fight silently and bravely. Over the years we have all watched this amazing family grow and display a strength from within that many of us couldn't even fathom – but it takes a toll.
Their struggle is real, their pain is endless and the toll this cruel disease takes on each and every family member and friends is varied and often unseen.
As we so often hear, particularly in regional towns, their family has been torn apart by distance too many times when they should be by each other’s side for support.
Their youngest son Saxon, a vibrant 5 year old, has just finished kindy and started school, has had to remain in Port Lincoln away from his mum and big brother Jack for much of this special time. Grace missed Saxon's first day of school, spending the day in the PICU with Jack, although she face-timed him it is not the same, these are moments you can’t take back. The family have spent more than half of the last 4 years in Adelaide, either at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital or in Ronald MacDonald house, both of which have shown enormous support.
Jack is the most incredible little boy – he is clever, cheeky and charismatic. Jacks trade mark ‘thumbs up’ despite how unwell he is keeps his family in awe of his strength and determination. He is resilient and wise beyond his years, when faced with the heart breaking decision to operate for the last time and hope for the best, or take him home to enjoy the time they had left, he told his family to ‘go for it, you don’t know if you don’t try!’
Such powerful words from a 7 year old. We pray for a miracle, however, with each surgery Jack is forced to adjust to the permanent side effects.
The financial burden on this family has been unseen, however, it is there. Life goes on, bills need to be paid and food need to be put on the table. Everyone has a story, everyone is deserving of help, if you can help support this family as they continue to fight for their little boy please do.
Your support will help to keep this little family together and focused on the precious time they have left with Jack.
Anyone that knows the Kemp family are aware they are not ones to ask for help, they fight silently and bravely. Over the years we have all watched this amazing family grow and display a strength from within that many of us couldn't even fathom – but it takes a toll.
Their struggle is real, their pain is endless and the toll this cruel disease takes on each and every family member and friends is varied and often unseen.
As we so often hear, particularly in regional towns, their family has been torn apart by distance too many times when they should be by each other’s side for support.
Their youngest son Saxon, a vibrant 5 year old, has just finished kindy and started school, has had to remain in Port Lincoln away from his mum and big brother Jack for much of this special time. Grace missed Saxon's first day of school, spending the day in the PICU with Jack, although she face-timed him it is not the same, these are moments you can’t take back. The family have spent more than half of the last 4 years in Adelaide, either at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital or in Ronald MacDonald house, both of which have shown enormous support.
Jack is the most incredible little boy – he is clever, cheeky and charismatic. Jacks trade mark ‘thumbs up’ despite how unwell he is keeps his family in awe of his strength and determination. He is resilient and wise beyond his years, when faced with the heart breaking decision to operate for the last time and hope for the best, or take him home to enjoy the time they had left, he told his family to ‘go for it, you don’t know if you don’t try!’
Such powerful words from a 7 year old. We pray for a miracle, however, with each surgery Jack is forced to adjust to the permanent side effects.
The financial burden on this family has been unseen, however, it is there. Life goes on, bills need to be paid and food need to be put on the table. Everyone has a story, everyone is deserving of help, if you can help support this family as they continue to fight for their little boy please do.
Your support will help to keep this little family together and focused on the precious time they have left with Jack.
Fundraising team: #thumbsupforjack (2)
Katherine Arthur
Organizer
Port Lincoln SA
Grace Bott
Beneficiary
Bianca Palmer
Team member
