Four-year-old Jack Lacy had an adorable crooked smile, but tragically the “lopsided” grin turned out to be a warning sign that he had brain cancer.
Jack was diagnosed with Diffuse Pontine Glioma at the age of three and was given six to 12 months to live, according to the family’s GoFundMe page. Doctors confirmed that Jack had a large, cancerous tumor that had been growing for many months after a CT scan at Sheffield Children’s Hospital in the UK.
Family Implores Others to Not Take Their Loved Ones for Granted After Young Son Dies of Cancer
The family noted that the tumor is very rare and, unfortunately, was inoperable due to its location. Following chemotherapy and radiation, Jack passed away surrounded by his parents, Wesley and Rebecca, and his sister Charlotte, on February 10, 2020, the family shared on their GoFundMe page.
Last February, the family began noticing a change in Jack’s smile, reported The Sun. At first, they thought that he was just copying someone else’s smile or being silly.
But soon other symptoms began to arise, including a blink and night terrors. A few weeks later, he began walking with his hands in front of him to help guide his way through the house.
Before his passing, the family used the funds from the GoFundMe fundraiser to fulfill Jack’s bucket list. Throughout the year, they took Jack on helicopter and airplane rides, got a visit from the Hells Angels, took trips to Disneyland Paris, London, Greece, Portugal, Digger World, Peppa Pig World and more.
“This year we have lived a crazy life, it has been a life without limits,” said Jack’s dad, Wesley. “Jack has done more in the last 11 months than most adults do in their entire lives. […] If there was anything he wanted in life he got it.” And for that, Jack’s parents are incredibly grateful.
“Even at death’s door, he was still wanting to play and was pretending to steal our noses, but he was so weak he couldn’t lift his arms and put them back,” he continued. “Our message is, don’t get complacent with their lives and just expect your family to be around.”
Wesley and Rebecca are now sharing their son’s story to show other parents how important it is to be “vigilant” about their children’s health and to never take the time they have with a person they love for granted. “The message I would give to other parents is to get their kids checked for everything, no matter how small it seems.”
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