Jack Hugh Dodds
This page is to help Jack who has been diagnosed with a rare brain tumor at the age of 8.
Pukekohe, Auckland
All of us that know Jack Dodds, know he’s a very special little dude. Clever, funny, quick-witted, always on the go, loves his rugby, loves his mates, and loves his family.
Unfortunately on 25 May 2022 the lives of Jack and those close to him turned upside down in an instant, when they learned he has a rare and inoperable brain tumour. It will be a tough road while they navigate the journey ahead going through various treatments and procedures, meaning time off work and school. It's a rough time and I know we all want to make it a bit easier for them so they can focus their energy on Jack getting better and not have to worry about the everyday things that can cause worry and hardship.
We all want to help in some way, but those a little further away are unsure how, so I thought I’d set up this page so anyone can contribute whatever they feel comfortable with, to help the Dodds family who are so very special to us all, in whatever way they see fit.
I know many of you in their community have been very generous in helping in other ways, something Mark and Lorelle have been so grateful for and have spoken a lot about. Your generosity, kind words, and thoughtfulness are so much appreciated by them both.
Any funds not needed after this journey will be donated to the Starship Hospital.
Please note this page is not to be posted on any public forums.
Claire Low's involvement (page creator)
I was Jack’s Preschool Teacher in Pukekohe and it was an absolute pleasure to teach Jack and develop a close relationship with his beautiful family.
Use of funds
The funds will be used to help with things such as cleaning around the house, buying premade meals or takeways, any paid medication needed, and making Jack more comfortable by letting him have his favourite sushi everyday 🤪.
Latest update
Thank you 7 December 2022
We would like to take a moment to thank every single one of you for your generosity. We have been completely overwhelmed by the support that has been shown to us as we have navigated our way through all of this and continue to do so. Support comes in many different forms and we've received it all - hugs, words, caring looks, letters, emails, texts, donations, meals, wine, vouchers, pampers, counciling, childcare and more. This is a journey we certainly would not wish on anyone and sadly there are so many children and families going through this. Our eyes have been truly opened to Starship Hospital and all of the amazing people there and the incredible work they do. Child Cancer NZ is a charity well worth getting behind to help those living and breathing it each day - our CCF family support person is truly amazing and they do incredible things for those in need.
An update on Jack that many of you know but some of you may not: the chemotherapy he was getting did not work and the tumor grew. Jack underwent surgery to have a shunt insertion to release pressure from fluid build up on the brain and then began taking a targeted treatment of an oral form. He was granted a compassionate supply of this trial medication (Larotrectinib) which we were so incredibly grateful for. Last week he had an MRI after being on the medication for 7 weeks and we were delivered the best news possible, that the tumor had shrunk by one third of its size. This means Jack continues on the medication and we review again in 3 months time with the odd hospital visit in between for blood test and port flushes. We couldn't ask for anything more as we head into the Christmas holiday period. Jack still has a long way to go but it has been so nice to receive some positive news.
Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts. Your donations will continue to help us with the added costs of going through this as well as us being able to help other families in need on a similar journey. The kids are delivering small Christmas gifts up to Starship Ward 26 & 27 where Jack has spent a bit of time and your donations have helped put these together also. Have a very Merry Christmas and make the most of every precious moment with your families xx
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