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JACK’S STORY
A Shining Star On Earth Now a Shining Star in Heaven
 JACK JOSEPH STAROWOJTOW (JJ) AS HE WAS KNOWN WAS BORN TO US ON THE 2ND AUGUST 2000.
A gift from the angels was how we referred to him, he was so beautiful. Jack was the youngest of 3 and so contented and happy, he never cried and we were so blessed to have him in our lives.
He grew and blossomed into a happy contented toddler who never complained about anything or any body. In September 2003 he started nursery and loved playing on bikes and playing power rangers. Life with Jack was so wonderful and we were so fortunate, that was until May 30th 2004 when our life’s was to change forever.
It was bank holiday weekend and he came in from the garden telling me that his foot was hurting him, he sat on my knee while I started massaging thinking he may have just gone over on it. I made a discovery a lump; my first thought was shear fear. I knew that this lump was not normal and immediately took him straight to the emergency out of hours surgery who then on examining it, decided to send him to our local hospital who reassured us and said it was just an infection and antibiotics would help, feeling reassured we then took jack home and only a couple of hours later his leg had swollen up , we panicked and took him back and this was the start of our nightmare, after several scans and x-rays which had failed to pick anything up and three hospitals later, a biopsy was carried out and a week later we were told the devastating news that our little boy had cancer, I felt sick, I thought I was going to wake up and these words had just been a nightmare, The day 29th June 2004, one that will always remain with us.
 From that day life roller coasted fast, he was transferred to the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital where jack underwent a series of tests to see if and how far the cancer had advanced and what type it was. The cancer had spread and we were told it was ALVELOAR RHABDOHMYOSACOMA a very rare muscle cancer that affects only 60 children in the UK every year. He was put straight onto chemotherapy, his hair fell out and he had to undergo 9 courses of chemotherapy, and in the middle of his treatment he also had to attend Christies Hospital in Manchester for 25 doses of radiotherapy on his leg and 20 doses on his groin. He was in remission by Christmas 2004 and life went back to some sort of normality, he started going to school, making friends and being a normal little boy again. We only mentioned the hospital a couple of days before his check up because we wanted him to have normality.
Even though the cancer was in his leg he learned to walk again and even kick a football and amazed all the doctors with his determination and courage. Sadly in June 2005 after a family holiday to Malta which was to be our last family holiday, he fell ill and again we were told that the Cancer had returned. Again he knew what was happening and he was put back on treatment and more operations and still he managed to carry on ,he never let it get him down ,also giving us the strength to carry on ,he then went on to have another 6 courses of chemotherapy and another 20 doses of radiotherapy at Christies hospital. He successfully went into remission and on December 12th 2005 we went to Lapland the best day of his life and one that we will never forget.
On March 9th this year we were given the devastating news that his cancer had returned a gain and this time it was everywhere. We had to make the decision not to try again and let Jack go with dignity which is what he had always had. Jack wasn’t aware that the cancer had returned, this was something that we hid from him as I did not want him to be scared, and for 4 weeks we watched him as he weakened and watched him slipping away from us but he still kept up his determination to have independence he wanted to stay in the hospital and make cards for everyone which he did and at 4.55AM on MONDAY 10TH APRIL we held his tiny hands as he took his last breath. He died peacefully and surrounded by his heartbroken family. He was 5 years and 8 month old and he died with dignity
 Jack was a courageous little star and will always be remembered for his caring and positive attitude and the fact that he never let anything get him down and the strength he gave to everyone else and his whole attitude to life itself. His legacy will live on in the hearts of everyone he met from all walks of life, He was the best son and brother anyone could have wished for and we feel blessed to have had him in our lives even if it was for a short time. Jack loved helping others and more then anything he helped me and for that I truly thank him with every aching pain in my heart. Jack has left a big void in our lives and our hearts are broken forever but one day I know in my heart that we will be reunited together again and until that day I will carry on his everlasting memory.
Rest in peace Babba, you truly are an angel.
Cancer affects 1,700 children in the UK and can happen to
any child at any time.
"Thank you for taking the time to read Jacks story, I hope
you can help us in our quest to help other children and families
suffering from this cruel disease".
Sharon Starowojtow
Jacks Mum
Sharon has created a website dedicated to life www.xour-lil-star-jackx.piczo.com
About Jack’s Charity
More Stories about Jack’s Little Stars.
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Abigail's Story |
Yaaseen's Story |
Holly's Story |
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Tia's Story
Coming Soon |
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James's Story
Coming Soon |
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