Jack, born in the Bronx and raised in Glen Rock, NJ, was a 19 year old college student who had just finished his freshman year when he was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, an aggressive and rare bone cancer. Jack passed away October 2017 after a 16 month battle, one month short of his 21st birthday.
When Jack was diagnosed, the Oncologists told him he would was going to endure the fight of his life. With a large support group of family, friends, and community, Jack took the fight to cancer with the help from his army of supporters.
Despite treatment after treatment failing, losing his hair, appetite, and weight, never ending blood transfusions, multiple surgeries, having to learn to walk again and countless days spent in hospitals, he never felt sorry for himself, always continuing to fight and believing the next treatment would work.
The night before he died, as he struggled to breathe, he said “Dad, what’s on the agenda for tomorrow?” He was a joy to be around right to the end.
His army of supporters was an important part of Jack’s motivation and commitment to make the most of every day right to the end. He is still an inspiration to us all.
— Meaghan Welch, Jack’s cousin and Ultimate Hiker
