Jack was an all action kid. Bubbly and energetic, he was always doing something and willing to try anything. His mum, Viv, says that from the day he was born, he was full of life and always ‘on the go’. “He could never sit still,” says dad Alex.
When Jack turned nine, something changed. Jack lost his energy and began to get absent and dazed. An MRI showed a large brain tumour, classified as a low-grade glioma. A successful operation followed and Jack was given a positive prognosis. Within three months, he was back to himself, had returned to school and the ordeal looked like it was over.
But just over a year later, Jack woke up with a terrible headache and started vomiting. The tumour was back. This time it had a devastating effect on his young body. This bright, energetic young boy was bedbound, going blind and in constant pain. The tumour was aggressive, inoperable and would not respond to any conventional treatment. His parents were forced to face the reality they may lose their precious young boy.
“To see him so motionless and just no zest for life, it was really frightening because we don’t know Jack that way,” says Viv.
Jack was enrolled on the Zero Childhood Cancer program, where his tumour was sent to the labs of Children’s Cancer Institute. Using the latest technology, the researchers analysed the specific genetic make-up of the tumour and discovered a particular genetic mutation called BRAF V600E that was driving the cancer’s growth and identified a drug that would target it.
Within a matter of days, Jack’s condition improved. He was sitting up in bed, wanting to move around. Six weeks later, he was not only out of the wheelchair, he was playing tennis. Today, Jack is back at school, as active as ever.
“We got to celebrate another precious birthday with our son,” says Viv, Jack’s mum. “And I hope that, because of ZERO, there will be many more to follow.”
Donate today to help other kids have a chance like Jack.
A big thank you to our Supporters
The real heroes who are kindly helping us achieve our goal
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I hope my donation helps in some way. :)
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This is a very good cause. May you get your desried total.
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Keep up the great work!
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Let's beat childhood cancer!
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Keep up your great work
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In Memory of Ody
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Keep thriving Jack ! So glad the latest treatments were available to you.
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Our donation is in support with Tina Duignan, who is a member of the Ladies Committe NSW Australia Australia
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Remain positive
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Your research is invaluable
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