Jack was born on October 5, 2005 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

He spent his toddler years in playful exploration of the world around him, guided by his older sister Ali and big brother Matthew. As he grew up he developed an infectious and fun-loving personality. Sharp-witted, he could crack a well-timed joke that made everyone laugh. He was a committed reader, passionate video gamer, comic book aficionado, and an aspiring chef. Jack knew how to play, and when he played he played hard—he wrestled, laughed, rode bikes, played computer games, threw himself into sports, and caused all manner of delightful mischief with siblings, friends, and cousins. On any given afternoon when Jack had been out playing with friends and family, the yard was filled with evidence of childhood happiness—draped over the bushes, stuck on the garage roof, and scattered in the grass. Jack was a happy kid, and nobody who met him will ever forget his smile. In fact, it’s hard to remember a time when he was not smiling, and that pure and perfect smile made everyone around him smile. Jack loved to learn and was always curious about the world around him. He excelled in school and was well-loved by classmates and teachers.

After reaching remission after a three month battle with Burkitt’s Lymphoma in July, 2015, Jack’s disease relapsed a month later. His family, seeking the best possible care, took him to New York’s Maria Ferari Children’s Hospital. While he initially responded well to the second round of treatment, the disease eventually progressed to the point that further treatment was not likely to be successful. Jack and his family returned to Indiana where he succumbed February 6th, 2016.

Jack passed away because of cancer, but he did not lose to cancer. On the contrary, Jack’s bravery in the face of this disease has inspired countless people around the world to live their lives more joyfully and purposefully and to pass on random acts of kindness to strangers as a way of honoring Jack and spreading his love. Love for this special boy gave rise to “Jack’s Pack,” a community of friends and family near and far—and Jack’s Pack will always have Jack’s back. This fund is the manifestation of that love, with money being raised to further research on Jack’s specific disease in the hope that others can benefit. Jack would have wanted it that way and he would be proud to know his pack still has his back.