Member for a Day with The Lime Rock Drivers Club, compliments of Lime Rock Park and Rob Wadsworth.

In support of Jacks Drive 55 2nd Annual Car Show. April 27, 2024 Visit JD55.org

ENTER TO WIN THE RAFFLE BY PURCHASING 1 TICKET FOR $55. 3 TICKETS FOR $100. WINNER ANNOUCED 5PM SUNDAY.

INSTAGRAM;https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5rG1isu26P/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

MARKET VALUE $1,600

Experience the historic 1.5-mile professional road racing circuit, Lime Rock Park, with the exclusive Lime Rock Drivers Club (LRDC). Whether you’re a novice, intermediate, or advanced driver, this is your day. Bring the car you want to unleash, and we’ll provide everything else. Includes four hours on track time with professional driving coach sitting right seat, and NO RUN GROUPS! All hospitality included for you and a guest. We’ll even have a helmet for you...

• Weekday only, shared fee waived
• Must be 18 years old
• Must provide car (rental cars available)
• Includes four (4) hours on track with professional driving coach sitting right seat
• Fully catered, liability insurance included

Raffle rules: Minimum donation of $20 required for entry. Winner to be chosen at random.

In The Blink of An Eye

Cancer can strike anyone at any time, and in those early moments of its arrival, recognizing that life is forever changed and how it will continue to be, delivers shock and fear in immeasurable quantities.

May 20, 2019
This marks the day that Tony and Sue Giorgio were told that their son, Jack, had a brain tumor at the age of 11.

Time stopped. Immediate reflection began. When, how, where…these fundamental questions kept their family up night after night tracing steps and signs that could have given them the idea that this was happening. Over the next month, Jack would undergo multiple tissue biopsies and MRI’s to diagnose him with a Low-Grade Glioma.

Low Grade Gliomas are brain tumors that originate from glial cells, which support and nourish neurons in the brain. Glial tumors, or gliomas, are divided into four grades, depending on their cell’s appearance under a microscope. Grade 1 and 2 gliomas are considered low-grade and account for about two thirds of all pediatric tumors. In addition to their grade, low-grade gliomas are also classified based on their location and by the kind of glial cell – astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, or ependymocytes – from which they arise.

Most low-grade gliomas are both highly treatable and highly curable. The most common kind of low-grade glioma, called a pilocytic astrocytoma, has a cure rate over 90 percent. While some of this is good news in the world of cancer, Jack’s glioma was located on his brain stem and is largely cystic based, which caused a host of problems in regard to management. Because of this location, Jack had debilitating symptoms, such as problems with balance, smiling asymmetry and one-sided weakness. Additionally, the location poses a great risk if surgical intervention is attempted.

His Drive and The 55

WE GOT THIS

Since Jack’s diagnosis he has endured several complications. The tumor is large, and the cyst contains fluid, which then puts extreme pressure on surrounding brain tissue requiring the cyst to be drained a few times each month. After many surgeries, more surgeries to perform the drainage was no longer an option. An Ommaya reservoir was then Surgically placed so that the Cyst can be drained without needing frequent surgeries. An Ommaya reservoir is a plastic device that is implanted under the scalp which has a catheter leading to the center of the Cyst. This device can be the used to aspirate the fluid by simply inserting a syringe into the device and extracting to the fluid. This has proven to be effective for lessening the weakness symptoms Jack experiences when the cyst is filled.

Although his treatment journey has been painful and difficult, Jack pushes through with fierce determination. The week of August 10th, 2020 marked a turning point for Jack. In week 55 of treatment – the same number as Jack’s hockey jersey, Jack said that he felt as though his upcoming MRI would show a retraction of the tumor for the first time. The idea of this finally happening was a most welcome one, as the road to the 55-week mark had been long and difficult.

After watching and hoping every second of every day for over a year, the family had not only finally received the news they had been waiting for, having the Tumor retract but Jack’s cyst also did not need to be tapped to remove fluid and his blood work was stable for the fifth week in a row. All very encouraging news and Jack most certainly deserved it!

Jack’s parents, siblings, hockey coaches and teachers all describe Jack in the same way: a helper, always there for others, never unkind or insensitive. He captivates people with his smile, draws them in with conversation, and in his dad’s words: “He is driven to be kind and wants to be the kid that listens to others.” His parent’s belief that Jack also being diagnosed with Dyslexia at a young age and attending Carroll School, a school that specializes in helping kids with Dyslexia, promotes students to focus on working hard to overcome challenges. This has been essential for Jacks spirit to succeed and getting through his latest challenge.

Jack has exemplified strength beyond his years and has the great fortune of so many good friends, both old and new. They have been present in supporting him – not an easy feat for a 12-year-old in this type of situation.

Blessed with Love + Support

The Giorgio’s have the gift of a strong network of a close family, longtime friends, co-workers and community relationships like Jack’s coaches and other hockey parents. Friends and family have been a huge support for the Giorgio’s as they often arrive over the weekend to deliver food, be present and spend time. Neighbors are constantly checking in to see how they can help. The hockey community: coaches and families alike have been providing so much support – their relationships extend well beyond the buzzer that goes off signaling the end of a game.

The Giorgio’s are incredibly blessed. They honor those blessings by paying them forward in every aspect of life: raising a family, participating in and giving back to the community, and supporting those in need around them.

Jack is not at the end of his journey, but his family is determined to share it with all who will listen, hoping that they can inspire others the way Jack inspires them. Jack has a drive inside of him – a drive to fight for others, to fight for his community, and to fight his brain tumor. The Giorgio’s have decided to turn Jack’s diagnosis and story of inspiration into an opportunity to deliver more awareness and kindness into the world. Please join the community of JacksDrive55.org and inspire others alongside him!

JD55 + Lime Rock Park

By Jacks Drive 55 Foundation

JD55 + Lime Rock Park

In support of Jacks Drive 55 2nd Annual Car Show. April 27, 2024 Visit JD55.org