Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change” – James 1:17

One year to the day of when Jackson began his first of three autologous transplants, we got to participate in Dukes pediatric brain tumor fundraising event. What a difference a year makes.  The team at Duke put on such a wonderful event and through all the activities and events they made Jackson and Knox feel so special.  Back in January when we agreed to attend the event, we were asked if we would feel comfortable sharing Jacksons story.  A videographer came to our home to interview us and to video the boys playing.  Below is link to the video that was shared right before folks were asked to raise their paddles to donate:

Tee Off Reception Tucker & Jackson's Story

After it played, Scott was asked to stand up and say a few words about Jacksons journey.  I am so incredibly proud of him and how composed he was while fighting back tears.  So many people came up to us afterwards to express their gratitude for our vulnerability. The truth is we wish we could do more to make people aware of how little is done to fight pediatric brain tumors despite being the leading cause of cancer death in children.  The event raised a little over $2M and all of it will go to fund research to help find a cure for pediatric brain tumors. These kids deserve better. It’s that simple.

Jackson’s doctor spoke at a lunch hosted at the Duke garden and she shared about her research on finding a cure for ATRT.  She injects mice with the disease and then she tests certain drugs on them in hopes to find a cure for this horrendous disease.  Another family was there and shared their sweet daughter Eliza’s battle with glioblastoma which only has a 5% survival rate beyond five years.  We were all crying as the video played and once the luncheon was over, I walked over to Eliza’s parents and hugged them and all I could say was I’m so sorry.  Each individual kid fighting cancer has a 0% or 100% chance of survival. They are the unlucky ones that got only five years with their sweet girl…we pray that Jackson is a part of the 100% group.  I pray that we never have to say goodbye to our sweet boy.  He truly has the most kindhearted soul, and the world is a better place with him in it.

We are so thankful that through prayer God led us to Duke.  We are so thankful for each of you that helped us in that decision by praying that God would show us the right path.

Next Friday we head to Disney to make Jax’s make a wish dream come true. I’ll be sure to share some pics with you all.

His next MRI is 6/5 and we continue to pray that he is disease free.  Please also pray that he gets his strength and mobility back.

All our love,

The McGarrells