An Eight Year Old Hero!

This is not a normal blog post for me, but I feel as though you all need meet this 8-year-old hero.

For the past five years, I have been praying and following the story of Jack Burke.  He is the son of friend’s Jake and Elizabeth Burke.  Jack was born with genetic disorder: Neurofibromatosis (NF).  You can read about Jack’s story here.  A couple of weeks ago Jack went in for a routine MRI (no 8 year should know what an MRI is, let alone have them routinely).  They found a glioma on his brain stem.  This week he begins chemo to shrink the glioma.

Not only is Jack a fighter, but his parents are pretty amazing as well.  They have done too many things here to list to bring awareness to NF.  It includes organizing symposiums for doctors who specialize in NF to meet and discuss research.   This year Cure NF with Jack has raised:  $180,000!  WOW!!!!  They just finished their third golf tournament for the year, which raised $60,000 for NF research.  This is a family that gives back so much to others and are truly inspiring.

I am part of a group of people who work with Jake.  We are inspired by the Burke family and we wanted to do something for them.  I am involved with a non-profit organization:  Front Row Foundation.   Here is their mission:

Our mission is to help individuals and families who are braving critical health challenges“ experience life in the front row.” We do this by providing our recipients a front row experience at their favorite concert, sporting event, theatrical performance or other form of live entertainment. Through the generosity of many, we create life-changing moments that positively affect the mind, body, and spirit of each person involved.

I asked Jake to fill out the nomination form and lets see if an experience can be granted.  I am happy to say that Jack was accepted.  We are in the process of organizing the Front Row experience for Jack.  There are so many people who love this family and in the matter of a few days, we raised $4,600 to help Jack be in the front row of a magic show.  I have to say telling Jake and Beth that Jack was accepted, was an amazing experience.  To bless someone who has done so much for others, is beyond words.  If you would like to donate, please do so here.  Money raised above the $5,500 will go towards helping others for their Front Row Experience.

Thank you for taking the time to read this story.  They are an inspiring family and Jack is a HERO!!!