Lets Get Jackson walking again!
Supporting Jackson to get home and walking again
Manawatu / Whanganui
On January 27th, Jackson started his day as a normal walking 17yo. Ten minutes later he was on the floor with no sensation from his waist down.
Quick thinking from the team in ED, PN Hospital meant he was put on the correct treatment and the diagnosis was confirmed as MOGAD - Transverse Myelitis. His neurologists & nurses have been incredible!
The messages from his brain to his lower body were not getting through due to inflammation in his spinal cord. This was caused by an unknown virus.
Jackson has been in Palmerston North Hospital for nearly a month, he is making great progress. He is a pro in the wheelchair and is enjoying his physio sessions. We are proud of his amazing attitude towards all of this (and there has been many emotional days too).
To be a healthy 17yo, who just gained NCEA level 2, left school in 2023 and was already two weeks into his first full time job, then this all happened! It is a lot to take in.
The prognosis is that it could be months/a year to get back to full mobility, with the chance of relapses. They have him on immunoglobin therapy and steriods to try to stop any reoccurrence.
The plan is for Jackson to head down to Burwood Hospital with his father Rob for extensive & specialized health care.
Jacksons care is covered by Te Whatu Ora but the costs with Rob in ChCh will add up, incl. accomodation. Rob needs to take annual leave (which he hasn't got any) so we are unsure if he will be paid. Tracy will be working , while at home with Jacksons siblings.
Tracy Torok's involvement (page creator)
I am Jacksons Mother.
Use of funds
Accomodation while away from home, food, building alterations, going down to one income
Latest update
6 months 29 July 2024
Big thank you to everyone who has been supporting Team Torok on Jackson’s journey for the past 6 months. It’s been a whirlwind!
Treatment continues… physio and Drs appnts, including every 4 weeks having transfusions.
Jackson is getting out and about more and fiercely independent. This months trips have been to fit for shoes to wear with his splints, yes grandpa shoes but they’ll be good for physio. Jackson has headed out to Wheelchair Basketball training , and even to the cinema with his mates (parents stayed home)… lots of exploring shops, some more wheelchair friendly than others.
Bathroom starts in august, been a delay with supplies and tradies but everything is now falling into place.
Jackson has continued with improving his mobility, including doing a mammoth 7 lengths of our hallway with his walker! Physio department has had a big staff illness rate so has been limited with reduced physio days.
Tracy (mum) , who works at the hospital, has had her shifts reduced due to budget cuts, downfall on this is less income, but we find silver linings and may just mean extra support and company for when Jackson is at home.
Our motto is “sh1t happens”, so when it does , team Torok processes it then looks ahead, find the silver lining in what’s happening.
Thank you for all the messages and love. We have an amazing community that we are so grateful for! Thank you!
Latest donations
Who's involved?
Page Q&A
Ask a question hereAny concerns?
Report this pageThank the donor
Your message will be displayed on the page and emailed to the donor.
Your new message will also be emailed to the donor.
Saving a blank entry will delete the current comment.