Jackson
When Jackson was seven years old, his family received some heart-breaking news. He had a tumour the size of a tennis ball attached to his left optic nerve and had developed hydrocephalus. This caused fluid build-up in the brain that pressed on his optic nerve, resulting in permanent damage to his eyesight.
Jackson bravely underwent two eight-hour brain surgeries to have the tumour reduced as much as possible. The second surgery involved taking off half his skull and stapling it back on afterwards. Jackson then underwent two years of intensive chemotherapy. During this time, he attended school when he could, which wasn’t often – he was a very sick boy.
Jackson still has his tumour and will need regular MRIs for the rest of his life, to ensure it doesn’t grow again.
JACKSON’S LIVING HIS DREAM
Despite the huge setbacks Jackson faced in his early childhood, his journey has given him the confidence to know that he can do pretty much anything he puts his mind to. He’s currently studying in Sydney to become a professional screen/stage actor, singer and dancer.
Jackson also completed a diploma of musical theatre, is continuing acting courses and has weekly singing lessons. He’s also taken up a new job as a singing tutor.
“Being an ambassador was absolutely life changing, as it gave me so much joy. I cannot thank Cure Kids enough for all of the beautiful memories they have gifted me with. We are so lucky that Cure Kids is around, as it brings so much hope to kids fighting for their lives, just like I was. Thank you Cure Kids for everything!” Jackson
Other special ambassadors
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BenBenjamin was diagnosed with Spina Bifida Myelomeningocele and Hydrocephalus at his Mum Catherine’s 20-week antenatal anatomy scan.
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LuccaLucca was diagnosed with an extremely rare and highly aggressive cancer called Epethelioid Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Sarcoma when she was just 16 months old.
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PaigePaige was born on December 6, 2021, entering the world prematurely at just 23 weeks and 4 days gestation, and weighing a tiny 525 grams
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EvaEva was born with only half a diaphragm after suffering a diaphragmatic hernia during fetal development.
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IslaIsla lives with type 1 diabetes. While type 1 diabetes is currently incurable, there are treatments available, but unfortunately all have a considerable impact on a person’s day-to-day life.
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JeremyBorn at 29 weeks and 5 days, Jeremy is one of the approximately 700 babies born preterm each year.
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MelaMela is diagnosed with an incredibly rare condition called Moebius syndrome
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Amelia & GraceTwins Grace and Amelia were born prematurely at 27 weeks. They have extreme chronic lung disease and Grace had her first open heart bypass surgery at 8 weeks of age.
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CorinCorin lives with a very rare genetic heart condition
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AddisonAddison was diagnosed with a staph infection, which caused damage to her heart.
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IsabellaBella was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at her Mothers 27-week anatomy scan
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HunterHunter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes after his family noticed he was always thirsty and that his moods had changed.
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Matt JohnsonMeet Matt Johnson, a former midfielder for the Blues rugby team. Matt had rheumatic fever when he was 13 and has been experiencing severe heart problems ever since.
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SophieA urine test showed glucose, and a subsequent finger prick blood test showed elevated blood glucose.
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RichieHe had a persistent cough, had lost weight and become so lethargic he was short of breath even when lying flat on a bed.
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KaseKase lives with cystic fibrosis, a condition is typically detected at birth, but Kase was diagnosed at 8.
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JaideJaide lives with chronic asthma and type-1 diabetes.
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JacksonJackson had a tumour the size of a tennis ball attached to his optic nerve.
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FinnFinn was diagnosed with hypoplastic right heart, when his mother was 20 weeks pregnant.
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FinlayFinlay was diagnosed with type -1 diabetes at three-years-old.
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ChloeOur gorgeous little ambassador Chloe has suffered respiratory issues since she was an infant.
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BrookeAt six years old, Brooke was diagnosed with gelastic seizures.
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BraydenIn 2009, Brayden was cooking noodles when his t-shirt caught fire from the stove element. He received burns to 45 percent of his body.
