Jimmy’s New Challenge

On Monday, December 16th, our lives were unimaginably changed upon receiving the most devastating news about our precious little boy, Jimmy Cragg. For the past couple of weeks, he was displaying symptoms the doctors attributed to the usual Christmas bugs that seemed to circulate among children at school, then to tonsillitis.

However, when antibiotics failed to improve his condition, and with a family trip to South Africa a couple of days later, we felt compelled to seek further medical advice. The urgency we felt in that moment would lead us into a reality we never anticipated.

After hours of waiting at Frimley A & E, we were finally seen. Blood tests revealed a very different diagnosis.

Our boisterous, funny, vibrant six-year-old son had leukemia. The gravity of those words weighed heavily on our hearts, plunging us into a realm of fear and uncertainty that no little boy or parents should ever have to navigate.

Jimmy and Wendy were rushed by ambulance to Southampton hospital that same evening.

Following this diagnosis, Jimmy is now confronted with a rigorous regimen of chemotherapy and other invasive treatments. The prospect of being hospitalized for several weeks can feel very overwhelming, yet amid the chaos, we clung to one obvious truth: the spirit of our little boy remained undeterred. He of course has all doctors and nurses completely wrapped around his little finger already!

His resilience has been inspiring as he has adapted to his new environment. We spend our days trying to keep his spirits up, indulging in games and exploring the children’s playroom, where laughter and joy serves as a temporary comfort against the harsh realities of his treatment.

On his second day here, Jimmy suggested creating this page to raise awareness and support for his situation. He expressed annoyance about the blinds in the hospital games/playroom and in the children’s own rooms, which are old and broken and let in too much sunlight, causing discomfort to his eyes due to the side effects of his medications. From that simple observation sprang forth a powerful idea: to embark on a challenge that would not only brighten his days but also benefit his fellow patients.

With that, Jimmy has set a goal to walk 1,000 steps alongside his new companion, ROBO—his IV stand that had become his new constant sidekick through this ordeal. He will aim to walk 1000 steps over the course of his treatment, to try raise funds for new blinds in the children's playroom (and hopefully more things for the room - new games, toys, activities) and new blinds/curtains for their own rooms at the hospital. This courageous idea is aimed to enhance the experience for not only himself, but for other children too, who like him, find themselves in such intimidating circumstances.

As we navigate this challenging chapter, we recognize the importance of community and the power of support. Any donations made towards assisting Jimmy in his challenge would be deeply appreciated, helping not only to sustain his spirits but also to improve the environment for others enduring similar battles. Our precious little boy holds onto hope, reminding us daily of the joy and love that still exist even in darkness.

This Christmas, we will spend with other families going through the same, here in the ward. Here we are constantly reminded of the strength that emerges from vulnerability and connection whilst we all try and adapt to such a massive change to our lives.

Thank you to each and everyone who has reached out with your unwavering support and love as we journey together through this trial, fuelled by hope and determination to keep Jimmy’s smile, infectious laugh and sense of humour alive.

We would also like to donate to all the staff, the night staff, all the HCAs for all their support, (constant hugs and pure love, support and so many tears (and new friendships) - Coco Mademoiselle - xx) Abby’s Heros, the amazing charity supporting families like us in Piam Brown ward, and to Leukaemia UK, for further research.

Abby's Heroes: Taking care of families from across the South Coast of England, they offer Welfare Packs, Care and Comfort bags, Financial Grants, operate a family room with emergency provisions, Counselling sessions and Play Therapy for the patient and their family.