10/22/2026
Why We Play: A Letter From Jackson's Mom
As our 2nd Annual Jackson's Mafia Pickleball Tournament approaches, I would like to share our story.
In early 2025 Jackson felt pain that increased with time in his right thigh. We thought, "it's growing pains, maybe a pulled muscle." Jackson played three sports and was constantly moving. He was an active 14-year-old boy. In our minds, there was of course no chance that anything major was wrong. Jackson's pain continued until finally, in April 2025, he had an x-ray and our worst nightmare came true. No parent is ever prepared, or even thinks about cancer affecting your babies, certainly not us.
After that x-ray, Jackson had an MRI, CT scan, a PET scan, a visit with an oncologist, and a biopsy, all within a 1 week span. In May 2025, it was confirmed. Our child has a very rare type of bone cancer. My sweet Jackson. It wasn't real.
In my brain barely anytime has passed since then. Since May 2025, Jackson has had 5 surgeries in New York City, 8 months of in-patient chemotherapy at Golisano, blood draws every 2 weeks, 3 emergency room visits, 2 failed pieces of hardware in his leg, a walker, wheelchair, and crutches. Jackson experienced so many horrific side effects that I would never wish on my worst enemy. As a parent there is nothing worse than watching your child suffer, especially when there is nothing you can do to help them.
Without question, our "framily" rallied. They knew we needed help. They knew we needed to support and they did everything in their power to lessen our struggles, both emotionally and financially.
In late 2025, my best friends formed the Jackson's Mafia foundation, a 501(c)(3) dedicated to helping families battling childhood cancer. They raised over $30,000 at the first tournament, and over $50,000 in all. Without that love, support, and financial support, our family would have crumbled. But here we stand, 18 months later.
Jackson and our family will forever be changed by this experience. We learned that life can change in an instant. Life is precious. Our children, and every moment we have with them, are precious. We learned that with a community of kind and generous people in your corner, anything can happen.
I will never be able to thank my friends enough for forming The Jackson's Mafia Foundation. Please help us thank them. Please consider being a part of our Mafia Family as we help another Pittsford family battle childhood cancer, and walk the same road Jackson did.
There are so many ways to help!! Please consider playing in or attending our tournament. We are also requesting supporters to put together raffle baskets or donation items. Gift cards or experiences to be raffled off at our pickleball tournament are greatly appreciated!! You can also make a donation directly to the foundation at www.jacksonsmafia.com.
Join us Sunday, November 8 at Fairport Pickleball Club. Register to play or grab a Mafia Pass here: https://swishtournaments.com/product/1st-annual-jacksons-mafia-pickleball-tournament-2/
No one fights alone!!
