My grandson, Jaxson, is a miracle…well…all children are miracles, but Jax is particularly unique. Jax was born with a diverticulum in the left ventricle of his heart. When he was in his mother’s womb his heartbeat was so wonky that doctors were concerned that he would not survive after birth. His heart alone would make him special, but that is not all. At about 6 months of age his mother noticed that he was very left hand dominant. Hand dominance usually manifests at a much older age, so she became concerned. Back to Children’s Hospital he went. After numerous tests he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, which also would make him special but, with Jax, nothing is ever simple. The doctors also discovered that, in addition to the stroke that caused his cerebral palsy, his left carotid artery was completely occluded. Again, unique…but that is not all. At around two years old, Jax was still not talking. Another round of examinations and test suggested that Jax is on the Autism Spectrum.
That is a lot for one little guy, but throughout all of the adversity, one thing we have always seen is Jax’s immeasurable determination and indomitable will! Today, in spite of all of his “conditions”, Jax is a rough and tumble little boy that loves to climb and run as much as he loves to snuggle. His team of caregivers at University of Colorado’s Children’s Hospital call him a “Rock Star”, so who am I to disagree!

The care he has received has been incredible and I doubt you can find a better children’s hospital anywhere in the world. Like last year, I have signed up to ride in the Courage Classic for the Cardiac Climbers Team in honor of my grandson Jax. The Courage Classic is an important fundraiser for this truly world-class hospital. On that day in July, I hope to display half as much determination and will as Jax does on a daily basis! If you are planning charitable contributions this year, I would very much appreciate your contribution to my efforts in honor of Jax.