Who is Jack?
Jack Callahan is an 8-year old Charlottesville native who was diagnosed with metastatic cancer on February 6, 2019. Jack underwent initial treatment at the University of Virginia Children's Hospital, but in June 2019 tests revealed those treatments had not eradicated the cancer. With a few days notice, Jack and his family relocated to Philadelphia for 8 months so Jack could receive advanced care at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
While in Philadelphia Jack received 5 rounds of chemotherapy including 3 high-dose rounds that required stem cell transplant. He also had major surgery to remove his tumor and 30 days of proton radiation. All told Jack spent 117 nights in the hospital. Throughout this, Jack's parents - and Jack when he was able - lived at the Ronald McDonald House. The "house" not only provided food, lodging, and transportation, but also a supportive community.
Money raised at JackFest will help UVA build up its pediatric immunotherapy and bone marrow transplant services in order to provide these life-saving treatments closer to home, and to enable the Ronald McDonald House to meet the needs of families that must travel to Charlottesville in pursuit of a cure for cancer and many other life threatening childhood illnesses.
JackFest is volunteer run, and all net proceeds go directly towards helping these two organizations. Jack and all the little superheroes treated at UVA and living at the Ronald McDonald House, thank you!
While in Philadelphia Jack received 5 rounds of chemotherapy including 3 high-dose rounds that required stem cell transplant. He also had major surgery to remove his tumor and 30 days of proton radiation. All told Jack spent 117 nights in the hospital. Throughout this, Jack's parents - and Jack when he was able - lived at the Ronald McDonald House. The "house" not only provided food, lodging, and transportation, but also a supportive community.
Money raised at JackFest will help UVA build up its pediatric immunotherapy and bone marrow transplant services in order to provide these life-saving treatments closer to home, and to enable the Ronald McDonald House to meet the needs of families that must travel to Charlottesville in pursuit of a cure for cancer and many other life threatening childhood illnesses.
JackFest is volunteer run, and all net proceeds go directly towards helping these two organizations. Jack and all the little superheroes treated at UVA and living at the Ronald McDonald House, thank you!