Jack, an 18-year-old, accompanied by his mom, Melissa received his electric keyboard on Sunday, March 7, 2021. Jack was happy to receive his keyboard as he requested it through our website only 2 weeks prior to the delivery.
Jack was diagnosed approximately two months ago with Ewing’s sarcoma and is being treated at Lurie Children’s Hospital. Jack and his mom arrived at the Ronald McDonald House a day before his medical treatment and was surprised to receive his electric keyboard.
Jack not only received the keyboard, but also a stand and bench so that he can comfortably play after plugging in the keyboard. Jack is a self-taught guitarist with a love for classic rock. He entertains his 3 older sisters by playing their requests and his Mom and Dad enjoy listening to him perform songs from their era too.
Jack became aware of AAFH through Jessica King, a staff member at Lurie’s where Alyssa herself had been treated. It was during Alyssa’s treatments we learned young patients not have ready access to the art materials and musical instruments that Alyssa loved. These things were critically important to Alyssa in her everyday life, and she wanted to continue her creative pursuits during her treatments.
RMH in Chicago is a special place as there is a full-size brick with two images of Alyssa’s love for playing her grand piano at home and her violin on the rooftop of this Ronald McDonald house.
AAFH loves to bring joy to youth who are facing life-threatening illnesses. The smiles elicited from recipients like Jack let us know that we are fulfilling our mission.
