Jackson’s Journey

06/25/2025

It’s that time again…all day neuropsych testing.

06/10/2025

Wow. Talk about triggering.

I didn’t fully realize yesterday when the research nurses came in to have Jackson sign consent forms. They were nonchalant, just mentioning that they were 18 now and needed to sign for himself. Of course they went over everything with him to make sure he understood what he was signing, etc. I told them we didn’t need a copy since it was essentially everything I had signed prior to his treatment. Had to provide copies. Yes, I get it. She told me we could just throw them out, that she understood.

Now mind you, oncology visits are highly triggering for all of us, in general. Jackson’s demeanor and mood changes drastically when we have to go in. Literally just when walking into the building. The whole Gainesville vibe is chill, until…Completely understandable for the trauma that chemo creates.

We just threw the papers into the rental car and booked it to the next appt. This morning I find them sitting on the table. When will I learn?! Don’t look at the paperwork!!!

It’s the initial MPAL clinical trial that he was on. Since it tracks outcomes, he had to sign to continue. Research has already told us that they have NEVER had a cancer kid with absolute PERFECT labs CONTINUALLY throughout the first year off treatment. There’s always something that happens. Not necessarily relapse, but the amount of and the different types of chemo that their body is bombarded with for three years causes all sorts of problems. Liver damage, kidney damage, pancreas damage, heart damage, osteoporosis, mental decline, and that’s literally just the tip of the iceberg. However, Jackson’s labs have consistently shown perfection. It’s scary sometimes, but we’ll take it. Due to this, we have been told many times over that once we hit December 14, 2025, his chance of relapse drops to almost non existent. And that’s only 2 years off treatment. He won’t be considered a survivor until December 14, 2028. And then I look at this and it ALL comes flooding back.

I put it away after the page below. I know what the rest is. It’s descriptions of the phases of treatment, the chemos used, the side effects, the length of time, etc. And now my heart is beating out of my chest. I wish we could throw it out, but we can’t. Always fu***ng reminded of the what ifs and what’s to come.

06/09/2025

We’re not crying…YOU’RE CRYING!!

Our day started bright and early in Gainesville. Three appointments today and then a long drive back home tonight.

It’s the end of an era. This morning we shed some tears and said goodbye to William Slayton. Obviously, words cannot adequately express our thankfulness for saving our child’s life. You know how we feel. But it’s time for a break, my good man! Rest well and enjoy YOUR time!! We love you, Bill! 🧡🎗️

06/01/2025

We aren’t quite survivors “yet”. We will be in 2028, though. However, we will celebrate others and our own wins up to this point!! 🧡🎗️

05/18/2025

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Did you miss the live feed of graduation?

Never fear! Here’s a little photo dump! He graduated with Distinction, which is 4.0+ for all four years of high school! We are proud parents! 💙

If you’d like to bless Jackson with a gift to help usher him into his next chapter, his handles are below!

CashApp - $dumpsterchild131
PayPal -
Zelle - 850-832-3883
Venmo - -Morgenstern-1

05/15/2025

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Today’s the day!!! In 2 short hours Jackson will walk that stage and become a high school graduate!!

We are beyond proud of this young man! He is graduating with Distinction, which is a 4.0+ GPA for all 4 years of high school. We all know it isn’t a contest, but I’d be hard pressed to find another student that was in his situation and has done as well as he has.

So today we close one chapter and begin another. Since we credit our entire tribe with getting us to where we are today, we’d like to invite you to join us at graduation this evening at 5pm CT (you may watch by using the link below). If you’d like to bless Jackson with a gift to help usher him into his next chapter, his handles are below!

CashApp - $dumpsterchild131
PayPal -
Zelle - 850-832-3883
Venmo - -Morgenstern-1

https://vimeo.com/event/5110914?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR7UueCtB0tfw9xwVva09AWy7I-UDrB9pNDTCvPolO0UPx6IH3gikzE0t4X3bg_aem_Y1SDQAtTld2GpkhssPLNEg

Bay District Schools's 2025 graduation ceremonies will be featured here.

05/14/2025

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The countdown is on!

Only 1 day until graduation!

05/13/2025

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The countdown is on!

3 days until graduation!

05/01/2025

And just like that…

Our kiddo has completed all of his high school exams!

Graduation in 14 days!!!

It’s been a looooong road and I’m so grateful that we’re where we are! 💕

Kiddo was able to make it through 4 years of high school - 3 of which were chemo years - and he has made all As and 2 Bs cumulatively. So incredibly proud of this kiddo and ALL of the hard work he has done!

03/29/2025

You might ask yourself, “What amazing memories are being made here?”

Graduation pics are this evening.

Nothing like preparing the graduation gown for this special moment.

I’m just feeling incredibly proud, a weepy.

No big deal. 😭

03/07/2025

Sending a HUGE Happy Birthday to my baby! He is 18 today!