When Jack was around 6 months old, he started showing some significant developmental delays. After months of various tests, Jack was diagnosed with Mitochondrial Complex 2 Deficiency when he was 14 months old. This cause's a person’s body to not be able to produce as much energy as it should. Because we need energy to function, mito (mitochondrial disease) can cause minor to serious health issues anywhere in the body–at any time! Jack’s specific diagnosis of Mitochondrial Complex 2 Deficiency is extremely rare with it affecting less than 0.0003% of people in the United States. Jack’s mito affects his whole body but affects his brain the most. Because of his mito, he has epilepsy and a global developmental delay–he’s stayed at a 4–6-month age range developmentally since he started showing those initial signs. Jack has also had multiple metabolic strokes due to his brain not getting enough energy. It is expected that Jack’s life will be shortened because of his mito, so each day with Jack really is a gift to not take for granted.

Even with all of Jack’s health issues, he is such a joy to be around! He has always been able to smile, even during long hospital stays. Some of Jack’s favorite things are Cocomelon, going on walks, car rides, listening to music, and being with his mom and dad. A lesson to be learned from Jack is to roll with the punches and take the hard things one day at a time.