Jack Simmons - Spring 2010

Jack Simmons is a four year- old preschooler from Salt Lake City, Utah. He has a sister Emma, who is 7, and two brothers, Parker, who is 12, and Nick, who is 14. He adores his siblings, and they love him so much. (Read all about Emma, Parker and Nick on page 4.)

Jack also has a black kitty named Onyx. “We got her for Easter last year,” he said. “She is so soft. I love her.”

Jack really loves watching movies. Some of his favorites are Toy Story, Barbie and The Three Musketeers and Jurassic Park. He likes to watch “Go Diego Go!” and “Minute to Win it.”

Jack loves to play “army guys,” “dinosaurs” and “Woody,” and he likes to sing songs at school. And Jack’s into the music his brothers like — Muse and anything ska.

When he grows up, Jack wants to be a pirate. He saw his mom in a spoof on Pirates of the Caribbean and now plans to be Jack “Sprat.”

Jack’s first CCA retreat was in Salt Lake City, but he was just a baby and doesn’t remember any of it. His family, however, had a great time. Recently, he and his family went to the retreat at Myrtle Beach and had a ball. He said it was fun to go to the beach and play with Wade and his family. He misses them and looks forward to seeing them again at another retreat.

So far, Jack has had eight surgeries. He was so little, he doesn’t recall them. He recently started wearing the reverse head gear to bed. He calls it his mask, and he thinks he is pretty cool wearing it. His next planned surgery will be the bone graft for his gumline. His family hopes and prays every day his shunt will keep working.

Here are some wise words of advice from Jack for any other kids going through similar situations: “Bring your favorite toy when you go to the hospital. And your mom.” Well said, Jack!

If you would like to share your story with CCA, please send an email to Annie Reeves at areeves@ccakids.com. If your story is chosen, with your permission, we will edit and publish it in the CCA newsletter, on the Web site or use it for public awareness programs. Not all stories will be selected.

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