Tools

Local 12-Year-Old Boy Diagnosed With Rare Form of Cancer

by KREX News Room
by Courtney Griffin

Story Created: Dec 9, 2012 at 6:29 PM MDT

Story Updated: Dec 9, 2012 at 8:43 PM MDT

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.- One Grand Valley Family's world turned upside down when they found out their 12-year-old son has cancer.

Jackson Pierce is a boy who likes to hike, read, and play outside with his brothers and sister, but four months ago his life took an unexpected turn.

It all started when Jackson woke up one morning not feeling like his usual self.

"He had a stomachache, we took him in and it kind of flipped our world upside down," said Gretchen Pierce, step-mother.

From there, Jackson was flown to Children's Hospital in Denver, where they diagnosed him with stage 3 Burkitt Cell Lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system.

"The cancer, by the time they found it, had spread through his other organs," said Pierce.

The family of six is now dealing with who will stay home with the kids, and who will travel to Denver every couple weeks with Jackson.

"It's been quite devastating. I don't think any parents expect their kids to battle cancer, especially at such a young age," said Pierce.

There is one major thing the family says has kept them stable.

"Hope and prayer is the strongest medicine to get through something like this. If you don't have hope, then you don't really have anything," said Pierce.

The family says another thing that's taking them by surprise each and every day is how giving people throughout the community are.

"We are truly, truly, just blown away by peoples generosity," said John Pierce, father of Jackson.

There will be a fundraiser Monday, Dec. 10 at Redlands Middle School from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

It's called 'Eat, Shop and Relax for Jackson'.

There's also a bake sale Dec. 15 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., outside the Walmart on Rimrock Avenue.

To make a donation for the family go to any Wells Fargo and leave a donation for the Jackson Pierce Cancer Donation.

You have indicated this comment should be removed.

Close

The comment has been submitted for review. Thank you .

Jim Pierce said on Sunday, Dec 9 at 10:57 PM

great story, Jax is strong, and a "fighter" he is doing well, im very proud of him and my brother and Sister in law for thier strength and hope, God bless them..

Siouxanne Mease said on Sunday, Dec 9 at 10:06 PM

My heart and my prayers are with you. My family is still doing the trips to Denver Children's for my grandson, who was diagnosed to two separate rare cancers and is winning his battle. I pray your battle is won.

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 1000 Characters Left

KREX - News, Weather, Sports for Grand Junction | Montrose | Glenwood Springs - Coverage You Can Count On and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.

Most Popular
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
News Channel 5 Weather