Jack is the kind of kid who lights up a room. He plays baseball as both a pitcher and first baseman, holds his own on the soccer field as a defender and goalkeeper, and spends his free time surfing and snowboarding. He enjoys school, is an avid reader, loves dogs, and is the kind of friend and teammate everyone is lucky to have.
Jack’s journey with Nemours Children’s began when he was barely three. His family noticed some unexpectedly fast developmental changes and set out to find answers and the right care. That journey led them to Nemours Children’s Health.
“Nemours Children’s has never treated Jack as just a patient,” says Jack’s mom. “They’ve treated him as a whole child.”
Clinic visits weren’t always easy for Jack, but Charlie, one of the therapy animals in the assisted dog and pony therapy (ADAPT) program at Nemours Children’s, Jacksonville, changed that.
From sitting with him during appointments to helping him stay calm through difficult moments, Charlie brought Jack comfort. In turn, Jack learned to regulate his own emotions to keep Charlie calm — a small but meaningful milestone his family will never forget.
Jack is proud to be a Nemours Children’s Patient Ambassador and hopes his story reminds other families that they are not alone. “We couldn’t be more grateful,” says Jack’s mom.