In Aurora, a young boy born with a rare genetic condition has defied the odds time and again, but his future remains uncertain. Jackson, just 11 years old, serves as a patient ambassador for Children’s Hospital Colorado, along with his mother, who advocates for research that could potentially save his life.
Inside the Holbrook home, more than 4,000 beads on strings tell the story of Jackson’s journey. Each bead symbolizes a surgery or milestone he has achieved. While Jackson may not recall many of these moments, his mother, Traci Holbrook, remembers each one vividly. She describes the beads as “an amazing physical documentation of what he has endured.”
Jackson was diagnosed with CHARGE syndrome before he was born—a condition characterized by multiple congenital anomalies. Born with half a heart, he faced daunting odds, with only a 50% chance of surviving to his first birthday. Despite the challenges, Jackson surpassed expectations and celebrated milestone birthdays with the help of two heart surgeries.
Traci explains the complexity of Jackson’s condition, detailing the necessity of redirecting blood flow where his heart cannot naturally send it. While Jackson has received care at Children’s Hospital Colorado throughout his life, he faces limitations in treatment options. He is not eligible for a third surgery or a heart transplant, which adds uncertainty to his future.
Despite these challenges, the Holbrook family remains resilient, cherishing every moment they have together. Traci emphasizes the importance of fighting for quality of life, even in the face of uncertainty about quantity. Jackson enjoys school, spending time with friends, and even has a girlfriend. At home, he finds joy in playing video games with his brother and doting on his cat.
Traci has become an advocate for research, recognizing the critical role it plays in advancing medical treatments. As a patient ambassador for Children’s Hospital Colorado, Jackson’s family supports the hospital’s lifesaving work, hoping to contribute to future breakthroughs that could benefit children like Jackson.
With hope for advancements in medical science, Traci remains determined to explore all options for Jackson’s care. She emphasizes the need for innovative solutions tailored to his unique needs, driven by a commitment to ensuring the best possible future for her son.
The Mighty Millions Raffle offers an opportunity to support Children’s Hospital Colorado’s vital research efforts, with the potential to impact the lives of countless children facing medical challenges.
