06/28/2016
As you all heard last week, we have been in discussions over the past year where it became clear that it was time to shift our focus and efforts towards Gold In September (G9). Below is a letter for you, expressing what it has meant to have your love and support for Jack, our family, and the I Back Jack Foundation over the years.
Today, we ask that you remain rooted in hope by "backing Jack" in support of G9 as turn the world gold for childhood cancer. Together, we will color the world gold so every child, everywhere, will survive cancer. Let's make it happen!
Learn more about the transition: http://ibackjack.org/frequently-asked-questions
Dear Friends,
Please accept my heartfelt gratitude for your generosity, support, and encouragement of my family's mission to bring hope and support to children with cancer. The I Back Jack Foundation was formed more than ten years ago in an effort to bring awareness and funding to neuroblastoma and related pediatric cancers. Through the years, the Foundation remained focused on supporting the development of new clinical trials at Children's Hospital of WI and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center to positively affect the lives of children while partnering with other foundations to make the biggest impact for cancer's smallest warriors. To date, I am pleased to say the I Back Jack has raised more than $1.25 million.
After our beloved Jack passed away in 2012, his twin sister, Annie, wanted to do more - to see the world turn gold in September symbolizing pediatric cancer. My husband John worked tirelessly to make Annie's dream a reality, so in early 2014 Gold In September (G9) became a non-profit charitable trust. Having beaten the odds and survived cancer twice in his early 20s, John was the bulldozer that paved a golden pathway for Annie on which to plant her precious seeds of hope.
John valued the vision of G9 to color the world gold so EVERY child, EVERYWHERE would one day survive cancer and thrive. Having survived more than 5 years from their original diagnoses, both Jack and John are categorized as "survivors" by statistical standards. Jack valiantly fought for seven years but was never able to find a cure; and, tragically, the treatment that saved John's life is ultimately what stole him from us in late March this year as he battled long-term effects of his "cure" for many years. We must bring less toxic treatments to children by bringing awareness and hope.
The I Back Jack Foundation was never just about our beloved Jack. Backing research, inspiring hope, beating cancer, and securing a brighter future for children yet to be diagnosed was the premise of the Foundation. Building awareness of the more than 12 major types of childhood cancer and the urgent need for novel treatments to improve survival with limited toxicity and overall quality of life remains the goal.
Gold In September (G9) is the ultimate manifestation of the I Back Jack FoundationG9 is the house that Jack inspired, Annie envisioned, John designed, and I am determined to build. G9's mission is to increase funding for childhood cancer research and initiatives by growing awareness that inspires action to help every child, everywhere. The goals are the same, but the scope and breadth are much bigger, wider, and far-reaching. Jack and John have completed their work while their spirit continues to propel us down the golden path with a singular mission and purpose: find cures, save lives. We will continue to relentlessly back research, inspire hope, and ultimately defeat childhood cancer. Moving forward, I ask you to please continue to "back Jack" by supporting G9. Together, we must color the world gold so every child, everywhere, will survive cancer.
In spite of tragedy, our family remains determined to seek the happiness Jack encourage everyone to find and make the difference Annie believes is possible. I ask you to keep your heart open to supporting childhood cancer and help us 'grow gold.'
With golden hope and gratitude,
Sarah Bartosz
