Superhero Jackson

This Tuesday we had the privilege of hosting an early birthday celebration for our superhero, Jackson.

In March 2015, Jackson was diagnosed with an aggressive nongerminomatous germ cell tumor growing in his brain. Over the next few years, Jackson endured 18 weeks of chemo, transfusion, two to three hours of

MRIs, seven weeks of proton beam radiation and a stressful brain surgery. The surgeon was able to get 99 percent of the tumor out but it has since returned.

Even though Jackson is going through such a difficult situation and fighting for his life, he always has a smile on his face and a positive outlook on life. After the past months of getting to know him, we have all come to love Jackson and his family.

Since we have all become so close to him and his family, we decided to throw him a surprise birthday party. It was 6:20 p.m Tuesday and we all hid around the room. Jackson, not expecting the birthday party, would arrive any minute. Before we knew it, the door opened and the smiling teen walked through the door. He responded, “I knew you wouldn’t forget my birthday.” Jackson is always full of light-hearted, sarcastic comments.

Jackson, Nash, his brother, and Michelle, their mom, shuffled through the door and noticed the activities around the room. Popcorn Pong, “What The Meme,” and “Jenga,” were being played by crew members. The night consisted of laughing and enjoying spending time together. We sang happy birthday to Jackson and gave him his present.

One of the best parts of the night was when Jackson thanked us for putting on the party. He got everyone’s

attention and said, “Thank you all so much for surprising me. You put on a great party and all of you mean so much to me.”

We are a part of Love Your Melon for moments like this. Their gratitude reflects how much our support means to these families.

Happy 17th Birthday, Jackson! Thank you for letting us be a part of your special day.