Jack "The Rock" Rubin was diagnosed with Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) at just two months old. LCH is believed to affect fewer than 1 in 200,000 children each year, designating it an "orphan" disease and making it too small to receive government funding.
As a result of his condition, Jack and his mother, Kristy, took up residency at CHOP for 19 months. Jack underwent many major procedures and treatments including multiple chemotherapy regiments, removal of his spleen, intubated on multiple occasions due to respiratory failure, which resulted in a tracheotomy, TWO bone marrow transplants and a litany of other surgeries and medical interventions. Jack has also had to deal with multiple hospitals acquired infections causing bacteremia and sepsis. Jack has generated quite the reputation of not only being a ROCKstar – due to his resilience and strength - but an inspiration to all touched by his journey.
Today, now a perfectly healthy ten-year-old, Jack grows by leaps and bounds and shows off his scars to anyone willing to look. Jack enjoys playing lacrosse and has a lax stick in his hands more often than not. He also plays football and baseball when he isn’t playing lacrosse. Confidence is something Jack possesses as he recently received a standing ovation for singing a children’s song in a bumblebee costume with a tutu at his school’s talent show. He loves to meet new people and instantly makes friends. To know Jack is to love him!
This year is a special year as it is the 10th anniversary of Jack receiving a lifesaving bone marrow transplant. In honor of this milestone, Jack's bone marrow donor will in be in attendance this year!
Get The Word Out