Jax’s “𝒮𝓉𝑜𝓇𝓎”.

“Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.” – John Muir 

Many of us can remember a childhood of playing in the woods, using the sunset as a clock and scraping our knees while climbing trees. Jax, our next Guiding Light Recipient, has been lucky enough to be living the life that many eight-year-old boys could only imagine. 

Jax was your, typical, little boy. Very active, loves baseball, fishing, hunting, playing in the dirt, being in the barn and playing with his animals, exploring with his best friend, his dog Chase, and being an amazing brother to his siblings. Nothing slowed him down! The world was his book and he was writing the pages with his endless adventures. 

On November 6, 2023, a horrific headache coupled with severe vomiting forced his mom to follow her gut and take him to the Emergency Room. His bloodwork came back inconclusive, and his Mom insisted on additional tests. A CAT scan that day revealed a tumor on the back of his brain. The next day included an MRI which revealed the extent of the diagnosis, Medulloblastoma.  Surgery was scheduled for the following morning. After ten grueling hours in the operating room, doctors were able to remove the tumor, but there were still inoperable spots of cancer left on Jax’s spinal cord. The surgery also resulted in post-operative Cerebellar Mutism Syndrome, (post terroir fossil syndrome) which causes the loss of all motor skills. At this time, Jax is unable to walk, has other neurological deficits and has just begun to speak again. Jax remained at WVU Children’s Hospital receiving his first round of chemo/radiation before being transferred to UPMC Children’s Rehab center for four weeks of therapeutic services. After the fourth week, he will return to WVU for six cycles of chemo treatments that are expected to last 6-8 months. 

Jax’s Mom has been by his side while her husband has been holding down the fort with their large, blended family of four of Jax’s siblings residing in the house. It is controlled chaos, with everyone pitching in, but they continue to trudge forward with God’s strength. 

We know Jax is strong, we know Jax is determined, and we know Jax will be back to writing the adventurous pages of his endless book. For now, though, he and his family need our prayers for continued strength and healing.