Until It Happens to You

When Jack went in for his first surgery in May, a lot of people suggested setting up a fundraising website to raise money to help pay for the medical bills. Both Jeremy and I were against the idea. I've seen people post on Facebook about Gofundme pages trying to raise money for sick kids with cancer, funeral costs and everything in between and EVERYTIME I saw one I would think that will never be me. I will never be in a situation like that. So we politely declined and did it all on our own. The bills poured in, late notices, threats to be sent to collections.. The whole nine yards. It took us months to square it all away, get on payment plans and make the monthly payments. We JUST finished paying off all of last years bills.. Just in time for this years to start piling up. The stress of having to worry about Jack's health is more than we can handle.. Paying for his care just about put us over the edge. 

We are not ones to take handouts. We are a hard working family and have everything we do because we've worked for it all. Jack was born with a congenital heart defect. We didn't buy things we couldn't afford, we don't throw money around, we don't go on big trips.. We live a humble little life. With mounting medical bills, we essentially have to put life on hold.. So we don't have to compromise the quality of Jack's care. 

After this past year, I've come to a realization. Accepting help on Jack's behalf doesn't make my family a charity case. And accepting help from people who love Jack and are willing and wanting to help doesn't make us weak as parents and caregivers. By swallowing our pride, we are simply allowing amazing, generous people support Jack (and us) in the most amazing way. Jack will get the care he needs and deserves.. And we can worry about the important stuff. 

So we have accepted help and are amazed and overwhelmed by all of the support we've recieved. I want to thank my sister, Lynne, for offering to set up a fundraising site for us and putting all the love and work into making it amazing! And thank you to everyone who has already donated to Little Jack's Big Heart Fund! To say I'm amazed would be an understatement... I am moved to tears by the unbelievable generosity and kind words for each and everyone of you. How do you thank people like you? I hope someday I can find a way to really show you how much my family and I appreciate what you've done. 

https://www.youcaring.com/jack-mousseau-515830

I also want to thank my brother in law, Ben for nominating Jack to be honored at the Dally Cup tomorrow!! We are so excited to be a part of it and are so grateful to you and the Belmont Police Department and the Belmont Fire Department!! Can't wait for that puck drop!! 

https://www.facebook.com/events/1698068877072713/

I don't know how to explain how it feels being in this position. It isn't easy to accept help.. It feels really awkward, we just want to take care of our baby like any other hard working, honest parent would. But I guess until it happens to you, you just don't know. 

Jack didn't ask for any of this.. He deserves a happy, healthy life.