Jackson

Jackson was born seven weeks early with Heterotaxy Syndrome, a rare condition that affects the arrangement and function of internal organs, along with severe heart defects. Because of the complexity of his diagnosis, Jackson spent the first 30 days of his life in the ICU and NICU before finally going home. It was the first of many milestones his family would celebrate.

Doctors shared that Jackson would eventually need open heart surgery. On October 12, 2023, that day came. After more than eight long hours in surgery, his family received the news they had been praying for. Jackson’s heart was successfully corrected. While he will continue to be followed by cardiology throughout his entire life, his strength and resilience continue to amaze everyone around him.

Jackson’s journey began even before he was born. His parents were already familiar with Heterotaxy Syndrome after losing their daughter, Kennedy, to the same rare condition. When they learned Jackson had also been diagnosed, they made the same choice they always have, to fight for their child and give him every possible chance.

Today, Jackson is a joyful, spirited little boy who keeps up with his big brother, Carter. He loves to play, explore, and simply be a kid. His wish is to stay at Give Kids the World Village and visit the Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld Parks. For Jackson and his family, this wish is about more than a trip. It is about stepping away from appointments, procedures, and medical conversations. It is about laughter, wonder, and time together as a family.