Lets Get Jackson walking again!

$16,219 of $20,000 goal

Given by 173 generous donors in 11 weeks

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Supporting Jackson to get home and walking again

Manawatu / Whanganui

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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

Week 13 & 14. 4 May 2024

We are truely grateful and immensely appreciative of the response to Let’s Get Jackson Walking Again Give a Little page and all the aroha and donations. The response has been incredible and we thank everyone!

Jackson has started the Transitional Rehab programme. This has given him the confidence to go shopping, plan a rostered meal, cook for others in the Spinal Hostel. Spag Bol was on the menu :)

Jackson and Rob have been out with OT who are teaching Jackson how to be independent in his wheelchair when in public places. This included trips to the beach, and how to get himself out of being stuck in the sand etc. A few trips into town and also to a wheelchair factory made it a pretty busy week.

Three more weeks and he should be home.

Due to the generosity of this page and also Robs & Jacksons work, we have been able to have Rob stay down in ChCh to be Jacksons support whilst I (Mum) are up here in PN working and being with S & A. It probably means that i wont be back to ChCh, however am very excited that my boy (and husband) will be home in no time.

Big thanks again everyone. The money donated will allow us to do some much needed renovations to our house so that Jackson can still be independent with his cares (like showering etc) and also once we both return back to work then we know that he is safe in his own home.

Our young man is incredible and he is getting better each day! Literally, one step at a time :)

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