Jackson Russell Hill
1993 – 2005
Community Hero 2005
Jackson, a.k.a. “J-man,” was an energetic 12-year-old with an unflappable willpower. Since diagnosed with Osteogenic sarcoma in 2004, Jackson had undergone eight months of intensive chemotherapy, coupled with major limb surgery, followed by exhaustive physical therapy. Less than a year after diagnosis, recurring tumors led to a leg amputation and lung surgery to remove more tumors.
Learning to walk with his new implant had been one of the greatest challenges for Jackson. And yet he never let the situation get him down or diminish his love for the finer things in life—like Italian food, classic rock, building Legos, playing with friends, and going to the movies.
“Jackson maintained an unbelievable faith that he would beat this disease. He had plenty of opportunity to complain but he chose not to,” says his mother, Melissa. “It’s amazing to us that Jackson had been able to accept all of his ‘bad’ news and keep plugging away towards recovery. He is so inspirational, so courageous—and we are extremely proud to be his parents.”
