Jack will be having two brain surgeries this month at SickKids to try to control his seizures. His first surgery is scheduled for Monday, January 18th at 8am. This surgery involves the removal of part of his skull. The neurosurgeon will then place a grid panel, with electrodes attached, onto his brain and then close his head back up, with the electrode wires coming out. The surgery is expected to last 6 hours and he will then be transferred to the Critical Care Unit (CCU). Once he is stable, he will move to the 5C Neurosurgery ward to recover. In the days that follow, the grid panel and electrodes will be used to better understand Jack’s seizures, such as where they are originating, and also to create a “map” of his brain.
The date for his second surgery is unknown at this time, but may be as early as Friday, January 22nd. This surgery will involve the removal of the grid panel and then the resection (removal) of a portion of his left frontal lobe. This surgery is also expected to last 6 hours and post-surgery Jack will go back to the CCU and then back up to 5C.
Jack knows that he will be spending a lot of time at SickKids during January/February and that he needs an operation. We are blessed that he has no anxiety about the surgery yet. He is staying home from school in the weeks leading up to surgery now to avoid exposure to germs. We are so proud of what a brave boy Jack is and continue to be inspired by his positive attitude despite what he endures on a daily basis.
Please pray for Jack, his 3 yr old brother Christopher, Dave and myself as we prepare for these surgeries. Please also pray for Jack’s medical team, as they prepare to take care of Jack. We are very blessed that Jack has this opportunity, as many children with seizures don’t, and we have HOPE that this will enable Jack to lead a healthier life.
Jodi
Hey Jody and Family,
We just want to encourage all of you and let you know that we are keeping you all in prayer the whole month of January! The Lord has been faithful to Jack this far and we are believing Him to continue what He has started! Know that your family is cared for and loved as you have cared for and loved others. We are anticipating great results!
Deuteronomy 7:9
Prayers from the west.
He is brave. Mom and dad are very brave also. Our prayers are with you.
Dear Jack
Wow you are so brave! We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers and wish you a very speedy recovery!
Lorraine Oscar and Maddy
xx
Hi Jody, Marg & Kurt
I know how hard it is to see your child go through such an experience. It was often the small things that broke my heart not the heavy duty procedures as you are describing them. But you have great support in your family and everyone else who has come in contact with Jack. Art and I will be thinking about you at all times and praying to give you strength.
Hi Jack- a guy by the name of Robert Cooper (you and I don’t know him) once said that we need to do all we can to have the heart of a Lion, the skin of a Rhino and the soul of an Angel.
I think of you when I hear those words- you’re a tough kid.
I haven’t been to Sick Kids- do me a favour and think hard about some stories you can share with us about your time there (i.e. who is your favorite Doctor? what do you like best about Sick Kids?) You can tell us all about it when you come swimming at our house this summer!
Lots of love, Izabela, Maya, Daniel and Dave
Hey Jack,
You don’t know me very well, but Im a friend of your Dad’s and I’ve come to your great Lemonade stand each year- I hope you have one again this year because the Lemonade is sooo good! I have a brother, Jeff, who had a lot of seizures too and was pretty sick when he was growing up. You sound so brave and like such a great little boy, a lot like my brother Jeff. We will be thinking about you for your operation, get lots of rest and I hope I can see you at the Lemonade stand this year. Rob and Ani
From what you’ve described, the initial surgery is what Lindsay went through when she was 17. Quite an experience to say the least – one we’ll all remember forever, but not one that you want any more than once! Unfortunately, surgery seems to be what’s required in some cases to get conclusive results that define the next course of action. It’s a lot for Jack and the family to go through so our thoughts are with you and we’ll be praying for the positive results that everyone is looking for.
All the best
Hi Jack, you are truly an inspiration to all of us! My thoughts and prayers are with you, your brother and your parents. Love lots, your lemonade stand buddy Cherill.
May the good Lord who says we should look up to Him for help, May HE see you thru this period. our prayers are with you. BE STRONG AND TRY TO PRAY AND GIVE THANKS for every process tha he will endure….God bless
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jack,
As I sit back and reflect on our past together while you were in my preschool & J/K class, I remember this loving boy who’s illness never every prevented him from anything and how you would always make sure you did what you wanted to do!!! This is evident today in your strength and bravery. I know you will shine through this and help encourage others to smile always. I smile each time I see you smile. Keep Smiling!!!
See You Soon
Miss Jennifer
Dear Jack,
we will be praying for you and your family. GOD will take care of you and give you strength – you are such a brave boy!
We are sending you much love and many hugs from Prince Edward Island.
Daniel & Sunny
Hang tough Jack! You will do great! Jodi, the last few days can be really stressful — call me anytime. I’m thinking of you…will call you before Monday.
Rose, Tom, Adam and especially Lauren
I had no idea…had heard lots about lemonade stand and none about your son….to Jack…you are an amazing kid…to the parents….what a wonderful son you have raised.
That said…you have a lot ahead of you….my whole family is behind you.
Jewels
Dave & Jodi …. thinking of you and Jack during this stressful time…. Your families response to this sitation is amazing… Jack is a one of a kind kid – he will beat this!… all the best …. allan
We love you Jack and will be praying for you! You are one very courageous boy!
Love Dan, Jaime, Isabella & Hudson
Dear Jack,
You don’t know me but I work with your mom, my name is Mrs. Wach. I know your mom loves you very much by the way she talks about you sooooooooooooo much :). I have been praying for you and will continue praying for you.
Hi Jack,
I want you to know that even though I have never met you, but I do know that you are special. Please remember that you will be in my thoughts and prayers when you are having your surgery, but I also want you to know that God will always be there right with you every step of the way.
God bless you and your family,
Hi Jack,
I am a good friend of Grandma’s and I have known your Mommy for a long time. I love to hear all the wonderful stories that Grandma tells me about you, your brother and cousins. I feel as though I know you all now. I used to be a nurse at Sick Kids a long time ago, so I know that good things happen there to help many children. I will be praying for you every day.
God Bless you and I send hugs to you and your Mom.
Love from
Mrs. Hazen
Hello Jack and family,
I have been an EEG technologist working with children and adults with epilepsy for about 30 years now. I truly believe that what is going to bring you through this is that you have a very powerful will and strength within your heart that is going to make it happen; not to mention the fact that you are an adorable little boy willing to reach out to others and be kind to them when things in your life aren’t quite right. They will be Jack…..you have alot to give to this world and we need you to get through this and show us what you’ve really got!
We love you and your family and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers on Monday You are in the very best care and you are ready for this!
Chin up Buddy!
Jack & Family,
I am thinking of you all! Many Blessings are on there way towards you and I can’t wait to see your smily face in the end!!
Lots of love
Miss Jennifer
Hi Jack,
You don’t know me but I feel like I know you having followed your story of courage & love in our local Oakville paper. You are quite the young man and a celebrity of the best kind. Jack, I know that you will have some challenging days ahead of you but your wonderful spirit & loving family will carry you through and it will mean even better times for you. Tell Mom & Dad that I will be praying for all of you. May God bless you all.
Hi Jack, Jodi, Dave and Christopher, thinking of you all and praying fervently for healing and wholeness. It was great to spend some time with you guys yesterday.
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Mike
Jack & Family,
Jeff,myself,Taylor,Landon & Carter will be thinking of you all. Stay postive and try and to keep a smile on your face.
Jeff & Melissa
Dear Jack, Jodi, Dave and Christopher,
You’ve got a whole church family praying for you!
Our love an prayers are with you today as the surgery begins.
God bless!
Shirley
Dear Jodi, Dave, Jack and Christopher;
Sincere thoughts and prayers for all of you as you make it through this stressful period. With Gods help Jack, he will be guiding you throughout your days ahead.
Regards
Marc and Sandra Morneau
Hi Yielding Family!
I am just emailing to say congratulations to Jack for being such a brave boy today!! You are all in my prayers and I will be thinking of you!
Sincerely,
Isabella Bergagnini
Dear Jodi,
I am glad to hear that things have gone well so far. We prayed for you as a staff yesterday. I am proud of you too. The hardest thing for a mom is to think of our kids suffering!!!! You are brave too.
Love Deb
Hi Jodi,
you are very close in my thoughts with all you’re going through. Hang in there. Your strength is something to be admired. Jack is so very lucky to have a mommy like you!
Jack and his family,
We are thinking of you….may things continue to go well, our prayers are with you.
Nelson is looking forward to his visit!!
God bless,
Cliff and Joan
You are such an inspiring family,Stephen and I are praying for you all.Sincerely,Marion Hart.