PORTLAND, Maine — No one enjoys staying at the hospital, especially children.
However, the Barbara Bush Children's Hospital in Portland stands out as a beacon of hope, providing care for kids that's not available anywhere else in the state of Maine.
One little boy, Jackson Kalbhenn, from Kennebunk, has been undergoing chemotherapy there for the past four months.
Jackson is a vibrant 6-year-old, who finds joy in three simple things: his iPad, Spiderman, and donuts. His love for these things has become a source of strength for him during his challenging battle against bone cancer.
Four months ago, while on vacation, Jackson tripped and fell, landing on his knees. Little did his family know that this seemingly innocent fall would change their lives forever.
"About a week and a half later, it was confirmed he has a tumor on his fibula. What happened was when he fell, the tumor fractured the fibula, causing the swelling and pain," explained Jackson's mother, Martine.
Despite the shock and heartbreak, Jackson's cancer is treatable, and he is expected to complete his chemotherapy treatment this summer.
"How many times have you been poked?" his mother asked him.
"Nine thousand million," Jackson responded when asked about his medical procedures.
He doesn't like the pokes and the cords, but he manages to find solace in the hospital.
"I get to play video games all day," he shared, turning the hospital stay into a more bearable experience.
"They don't grasp the full concept of how scary this is, which I think is okay. When they are older, they will realize, all he went through and how strong he really was," his mother said.
To support Jackson and raise funds for his family, a walkathon is scheduled tomorrow at 11 a.m. at the Kennebunk Elementary School.
