Traveling Jack goes to Colorado

Jack got bored in the big kids OxyCamp room so he went in to help with the babies!!

We arrived Thursday in Denver, Colorado for the tenth annual chILD conference. A few of us lung moms met up, the boys, of course had to try out the pool.

In the lobby, Jack spied a group of NFL refs all dressed up with their badges and RINGS on headed out to ref the football game. He talked them up, tried on some ten year and Superbowl rings and actually told one ref about his illness. The pic is of him and of one of the refs. Was amusing.

Jack's oxygen wasn't delivered until midnight (glitches) and he was really hurting at this altitude for some reason, he is usually able to tolerate it. So after it finally arrived, we were able to call it a night.

Today was the first real day of the conference and it was full of many speakers and tons of information. The kids get to go to what they call OxyCampKids.

The most amazing part is connecting with these other parents and the families. There is a picnic tonight.

I will also post a couple of other pictures.

So sorry, but a glitch with Fundly won't let me send this to just my donors, but still wanted to send an update to all those that helped get Jack here! Every year we all come away with so much! Thanks again!

A page from Jack's caringbridge journal....

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jackpullman1/journal

Sorry, but you will get a daily thank you for four more days...we are so very lucky and grateful!! I am also so happy that Megan has decided to join us and come to the conference. I know how hard it is for her to leave Noah behind (see Noah's Angels on FB) but he would be able to make the long journey and the altitude. Jack is so excited to see these "lung" friends, because they get it. At his age he just doesn't want anyone to even know he is sick. (a story I will share on his caring bridge). Yesterday, I mentioned something about paying it forward, my kids have learned it through family life and the fundraisers Jack has done, beginning with the one originally for the Umass infusion unit. (another story to be shared on Caringbridge) but I am so happy that my kids don't take it all for granted. Thanks again to everyone. The picture today is of Megan and Noah. Jack loves Noah and always picks out these special things to bring him. Last visit, he gave Noah a racetrack that he could use right on his bed. His mom sent pictures of him using it with a huge smile! Jack was beaming. Did I say thank you already?

Wanted to add this picture of the amazing Dr. Fan. He is the leading doctor in pediatric interstitial lung diseases. He is a mentor to so many pediatric pulmonary doctors that specialize in this disease. He is one so very kind, humble and is always willing to take your call or email! Jack has travelled to Texas and Colorado to see Dr. Fan. Dr. Fan saved Jack's life. He is retiring and this conference is also a big tribute/retirement gala for him. Which is why I am so glad to be able to be a part of this.

Thanks again for making this happen for us!! My boys see how many people have helped now and in the past and have learned to pay it forward...I see them do special things every week and it is amazing to witness as a mom!! Alot of our lung kids (including Jack) are getting "sick" this week with different things. Please, if you are willing, say a prayer that none of our kids get really ill and can't make it. That plus that the altitude is not good. Thank you again to everyone!! This pic is of Jack and his medical twin Michael from Nebraska! Who threatened his mom "I'm telling you now that if Jack is not going, I'm not either!"

Jack has reached his original goal!! So amazing and it is only because of all of you!! Many personal messages will be coming later. Thank you just doesn't seem like enough right now. Fundraising is so hard, humbling and many of you have fundraising fatigue. Any extra funds that are raised will go directly to Jack's medical expenses and to the chILD foundation (which funds research for pediatric interstitial lung diseases). Thank you again and we will keep you all updated.