Gary Stevens, a former England and Everton footballer, tragically lost his four-year-old son, Jack, after a courageous battle with a rare form of leukemia called juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML). This heartbreaking event has shone a light on the challenges faced by families dealing with childhood cancer.
Key Details
| Detail | Information |
| Name | Jack Stevens |
| Age | 4 years old |
| Relation to Gary Stevens | Son |
| Cause of Death | Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML), a rare and aggressive blood cancer |
| Family | Parents: Gary and Louise Stevens; Older Brother: Oliver |
| Charity | “Forever Four” launched by the Stevens family to support other families facing childhood cancer |
Tragic Diagnosis and Battle
Jack Stevens was diagnosed with JMML, a rare and aggressive blood cancer, just weeks before his third birthday. His parents, Gary and Louise Stevens, were devastated by the news and immediately began a desperate race to find a stem cell donor for a life-saving transplant.
Jack underwent chemotherapy at Perth Children’s Hospital in Australia, where the family was living at the time. His older brother Oliver was found to be a match, and the family went through the process of getting his stem cell donation. For 10 months, Jack did well, but unfortunately, his condition eventually relapsed.
Passing and Legacy
Tragically, Jack passed away at home, surrounded by his family, just two weeks after his condition took a turn for the worse. His parents, Gary and Louise, have since launched a charity called “Forever Four” to help support other families facing the devastating loss of a child to cancer.
The charity has gained support from UK sports stars, including former Rangers manager Steven Gerrard, Leeds United captain Liam Cooper, and the England rugby squad. Gary Stevens hopes to use the charity to advocate for more financial support for bereaved families of child cancer victims, as well as to improve the stem cell donation system in Australia.
Remembering Jack
Jack Stevens’ passing has left a profound impact on the football community, with Everton and other clubs expressing their deepest condolences to the Stevens family. His courageous battle and the family’s efforts to honor his memory through their charity work serve as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of childhood cancer and the importance of supporting families in their darkest moments.
FAQs
Q: What is juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML)?
A: JMML is a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer that primarily affects young children. It is characterized by the overproduction of immature white blood cells, which can lead to various complications and a poor prognosis if not treated promptly.
Q: How did the Stevens family try to save Jack?
A: The family went through the process of getting a stem cell transplant from Jack’s older brother Oliver, as he was found to be a match. Jack underwent chemotherapy and the transplant, but unfortunately, his condition eventually relapsed, and the family was unable to find another suitable donor.
Q: What is the “Forever Four” charity, and what is its purpose?
A: The “Forever Four” charity was launched by Gary and Louise Stevens to honor their son Jack’s memory and to help support other families facing the devastating loss of a child to cancer. The charity aims to provide financial assistance and advocacy for bereaved families, as well as to improve the stem cell donation system in Australia.
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Last Updated on July 10, 2024 by 247 News Around The World
