Jackson was the youngest of our four children; Summer, Cesciley, Eli, and then Jackson. He was a very active boy who showed a zest for life. Constantly on the move, we learned early on that we would need to keep a close watch on him. Life was an adventure and he lived it fearlessly. His contagious smile and personality impacted all who came in contact with him.
At Jackson’s four year old “Well Child Check Up”, Jackson’s doctor did a blood draw to check his levels. The test came back and it showed that his blood levels were extremely low and we needed to get him up to DeVos Children’s Hospital. Over the next 24 hours Jackson received numerous blood transfusions to stabilize his counts. Many tests were done trying to come up with the cause, but all were coming back negative. It wasn’t until two weeks later that one of the tests came back positive, it was for Fanconi’s Anemia.
Fanconi’s Anemia is a rare genetic that effects the bone marrow’s ability to function. Over the next few months Jackson’s counts continued to be unstable and he continued to receive numerous transfusions. In March, Jackson was admitted into the DeVos Children’s hospital to receive a bone marrow transplant. The first week consisted of radiation and chemotherapy to prepare his body to accept the donor’s cells. Then the transplant which consisted of introducing the donor cells through in IV.
Over the next few weeks Jackson was isolated in his room while we waited to see if the cells would start producing. Jackson’s body began producing and he was finally able to come home in June. However, around the end of July we began to notice Jackson’s balance was off and he was getting weaker. An MRI was done and some inflammation was found on his brain. Over the next several days he lost the ability to talk and move his legs and arms. Further MRIs showed that the brain cells were being killed off and that Jackson would not recover.
Eight days after his 5thbirthday we brought him home and called in Hospice. One week later Jackson was welcomed into Heaven by his Heavenly Father, Jesus. Throughout his entire journey Jackson lived courageously, brought joy to those he came in contact with, and could often be heard singing praises to God.
I just wanted thank you for the pillowcase and for the ministry you are doing. Reading about Jackson’s struggle just breaks my heart. My grand daughter Janna is fighting AML Leukemia and her mother survived bone cancer 21 years ago. I am Grandma Cindy and I get to spend a lot of time at the hospital. My heart goes out to all the families and children who have to go through cancer. People like you make things just a little bit easier. Thank you.
We received a pillowcase with many dogs on it and it was a special comfort to my son who was in for a treatment fora geneticdisorder and it was his first.We were afraid and live outof town. What a wonderful way to keep your son’s memory as a blessing to others.
The basketball pillowcase my son received brought a smile to his face and cheered him up on a tough, uncomfortable, rough day in the PICU. What a wonderful thing you are doing keeping Jackson’s memory alive!!! Thank you and God Bless!
The PICU received an awesome donation today of pillow cases, blankets and picture boards!! A huge thank you for your donation! The donations will provide a smile on a patients and families face during a difficult period. Thanks again!
UofM PICU
Hi there… my son, Jonathan, is currently in Helen Devos Children’s hospital with Severe Aplastic Anemia and is awaiting a bone marrow transplant. We have been blessed with two of your pillow cases (one with planets and the other a Cars theme) and I have to say they have been such a comfort to my almost 3 year old. He loves them, and so do I. Thank you for this ministry. It is greatly appreciated. God bless you.
Jennifer Davidson
Thank you so much for caring for other kids that are dealing with lifethreatning illnesses. My daughter Hailey has been coming to DeVos for cancer treatments since March,and we have several of your beautiful pillow cases that she just loves. Thank you so very much for bringing smiles to all of our children. God Bless you.
I am truely sorry to hear about Jackson’s fight coming to an end….the loss is unspeakable!!!! I do want to let you know his pillow cases are a ray of sunshine and greatly appreciated!
My three year old granddaughter Charlotte has been receiving a chemo regiment of one day a week for four weeks and two weeks off depending in her counts. To make her weekly appointments we drive two and a half hours to Grand Rapids Helen Devos and then back home … we have been doing this since January 2012. We are praying her last treatment is at the end of February 2013…. coming soon. Taking the time to make these delightful pilllow cases in Jackson’s memory is truely inspiring and we are forever greatful! Knowing Jackson’s Journey makes them even more special. We have two… tomboy princess and bright yellow buggies… she could not decide so they let her take two and she loves them both.
When Charlie is older we will share with her the significance and importance of each pillow case that she recieved because of Jackson’s Journey! Thank you for your kindness and generosity!!!!
Thank you for your generous donation today of pillowcases! The patients and families love to receive these! It makes it feel more like home, in a stressful situation.
Thank you again!
UofM PICU
Jackson is in heaven playing in his Father’s BIG BIG house. Thank you for the wonderful surprise that made my son’s testing today a little bit easier.
God Bless
Thank you so much for the pillowcase. Our son Carson is currently in the ICU at Helen Devos Children’s hospital after a lawn mower accident and he is going to love his curious George sport pillowcase. It fits him perfectly!! We are so thankful you started this in Jackson’s memory. After reading your story I think Jackson and Carson would have gotten along great. Thank you again for this peace of comfort.
We want to thank you for the WONDERFUL 4th of July pillowcase and sharing your story.
Thank you for The Ohio State pillow case. My two year old (who came and left the children’s hospital in her OSU cheerleading outfit) absolutely loved it. Thank you for sharing Jackson’s story.
My daughter, age 11, just received a U of M pillowcase (she loves U of M). She was overjoyed to get it. Thank you for starting this ministry in memory of your precious boy.
Thank you so much for the love you share with the pillowcases. My son just had surgery for soft palate issues. He’s not very happy or comfortable right now but his excited to use his new superhero pillowcase.
Thank you for what you do with Jackson’s web ministry. My grandson received one of you pillowcases and he loves it he’s not 3 yet again thank you
Thank you so much for your giving hearts. Our son was recently at HDevos for an appendectomy. He was disappointed to have to miss his soccer game. When the nurses brought in one of your pillowcases, decorated with soccer balls, it brought the first smile to his face since surgery. So appreciated, thanks again.
Your pillowcases help bring a bright spot into a hospital stay. HDV Children’s hospital is a pretty great place anyway but thus made it even better. Thank you for looking for ways to honor Jackson and help others at the same time. Prayers for peace and joy for your family.
Thank you for the fun paw patrol pillowcase my son received during his stay at the hospital. He absolutely loves it and it brings comfort to him during his healing process. What a beautiful way to honor your son by spreading joy to others. God bless you and little Jackson!
My 16yo son who loves basketball just received a Pistons pillowcase today. He was super excited. Thank you for the gift and sharing Jackson’s story.
Thank you for all you are doing . My son loves his pillow case.
Our daughter received a pillow case with dogs on it. She loves dogs and it brought a smile to her face and comfort to her while she anticipated a long surgery for a thyroid tumor. Thank you for your ministry and for this generous gift of love.
I hope only the best for his family and keep up the good work Jackson would love this.
Jackson left his fingerprints on my sons ICU room during this tough time.
We are happy to be caught in his web …his blessed web.
Thank you so much for the Minecraft pillowcase my son received today after his surgery, that brought a big smile to his face on such a difficult day!!
My son received a pillowcase when he had surgery at HDVCH a few years ago. It brought such joy and he still uses it today. Thank you for what you are doing, it makes a difference.
My son received a Michigan Wolverines pillowcase. Although he himself is not a sports fan, it brought a smile to his face and ours as we made plans to tease his step mom with it who is a Spartan fan. My heart goes out to Jackson’s family. Thank you for spreading joy and laughter in a tough situation.
Thank you so much for the special blanket. Our son spent time in the PICU and it was so sweet to receive a blanket with such a special meaning. Thank you for sharing Jackson’s story.
My daughter received the perfect princess pillow case at her appointment at DeVos yesterday. Thank you for bringing joy into our lives at such a hard time. Thank you!
My 4 year old daughter received a beautiful easter egg pillowcase yesterday when she had heart surgery at HDVCH. After losing a child of my own 8 years ago, I looked into the story behind these pillowcases and am so touched by your story. I just know that Jackson is smiling down on you. Thank you so much for this gift!
My son Liam was just given one of your beautiful pillowcases from Helen Devos. Tuesday he had kidney surgery. We came to your site to thank you for giving us this beautiful gift. We are so sorry for the loss of your son. I have read your sons journey to our three son Jackson, Kolton and Liam and we will always look at that pillowcase, cherish it and think of your son Jackson. Thank You again for your generous donation.
Our daughter received a pillow case from Jackson during her heart surgery. He is still leaving imprints. Thank you for kindness and sharing your story with others.
As my warrior and I sit in a hospital room 9th floor at Devos for Relasped Neuroblastoma on this Thanksgiving day, your pillow case and craft sat in on the counter I took one and brought to my son’s room. He was delighted and asked where it came from and looked up your warriors page. Thank you for pillow case ministry it gives families like ours comfort on these diffcult days when only those in this community understand. Huge thank you for continuing to share your sons journey and to continue his legacy!
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