My Story
No 19-year-old should ever be told they have cancer, but when Jackson learned about his diagnosis, he faced it with a gravitas that is often saved for the greatest leaders and icons of our time.
Jackson Byck
story of A warrior
What’s up with Jackson’s eye
Jackson lost his eye due to his cancer, but instead of wearing a prosthetic that looks like his other eye, Jackson chose the Rinnegan.
Based on a Naruto connection, one of his favorite anime shows and manga series, Jackson had a deep emotional connection to the “Naruto” character. He loved the series and the books related to characters’ interactions with each other.
The Rinnegan (輪廻眼, literally meaning: Saṃsāra Eye) is reputed as the most exalted eye amongst the “Three Great Dōjutsu” the others being the Sharingan and the Byakugan. It is said that in times of disorder, one who wields the Rinnegan is sent down from the heavens to become either a “God of Creation” who will calm the world or a “God of Destruction” who will reduce everything to nothingness. The Rinnegan is characterized by concentric circles covering the eyeball.
Impact on research
During Jackson’s battle with cancer he had the opportunity to work with some of the world’s leading experts in who will change the future of Cancer and how it is treated. it was through their tenacious work that warriors like Jackson was able to turn 6 months into almost 4 years. Imagine what they will do in the future.
Memories
Jackson will forever be remembered in our hearts and minds for the joyful, loving, witty, free spirit he was. Our family has learned a great deal in our lives, but truly we have learned more about courage, strength, and love in the last four years from this one beautiful being than we have in all our years put together.
Jackson Byck Scholarship
Dear friends of ours have generously donated the seed money for an endowed “needs-based” college scholarship in Jackson’s honor. Jackson has asked that the scholarship be available to kids like him who have battled cancer in their lifetime. The mission of the Jackson Byck Scholarship is to help create a college future for those both in financial need and who have fought the fight to beat cancer. As Jackson was an avid gamer, special consideration will be made for those pursuing a career in gaming, computers, marketing, engineering, science and medicine.
