“I am terrified.” Those words—uttered by a mother who has already fought unimaginable battles for her son—echo the fear and heartache that no parent should ever have to experience. As we’ve all been praying for baby Jax, his latest update has brought a fear so deep that it cuts to the core. It’s a fear that most of us can’t fully understand unless we’ve walked the same path, holding our children close while knowing that their lives hang in the balance.
At 4 a.m. this morning, Jax vomited, and doctors believe he may have aspirated some of it into his lungs. For any child, this would be concerning, but for Jax—whose tiny body has already fought so many battles—it is a terrifying setback. His heart has already stopped once. He has already endured the unimaginable: open-heart surgery, ECMO, and 37 minutes of doctors fighting to bring him back to life. That kind of trauma doesn’t just disappear. It lingers, and it resurfaces every time something goes wrong.
In response to this new challenge, Jax will undergo a heart MRI followed by a cath procedure. He will have to be placed back on the ventilator, a step that sends shockwaves of fear through his mother’s heart. Every time she hears those words—“back on the vent”—the trauma comes rushing back. It takes her back to the moment when doctors fought tirelessly to save her son’s life, when she felt helpless, when everything she knew about hope and survival was put to the test.
Anesthesia for cardiac babies is never routine, and the risks involved with the cath procedure are high. The doctors hope to correct the issues affecting Jax’s heart function, his fluid overload, and his dangerously low oxygen levels. They are doing everything they can, but as his mother said, right now, she’s not thinking like a medical team—she’s just his mom. And as a mother, her heart is heavy with fear and uncertainty. She’s terrified for her baby, terrified of what lies ahead, and yet, she stands strong—because that’s what mothers do. They stand for their children, even when the world around them feels like it’s crumbling.
In her latest message, she made one simple request: “Pray his lungs stay clear. Pray the ventilator is only temporary. Pray anesthesia is smooth. Pray they can fix exactly what needs fixing. Pray his heart gets stronger. Pray for peace over him… and over me.” These words reflect the deepest desires of a mother’s heart—the hope that her child will be safe, that he will heal, and that she will find peace amidst the storm.
This is the same little warrior who, just weeks ago, faced death head-on when his heart stopped. This is the same boy who was brought back to life after 37 minutes of doctors working tirelessly to restore his heartbeat. Jax’s story is one of miracles, but it’s also one of unrelenting fear and constant vigilance. His family has walked through darkness and emerged with light, but each new challenge feels like it might be the one that overwhelms them.
As a community, we must stand with Jax and his family once again. We must surround them with love, prayers, and unwavering support. Today, Jax’s mother is asking for more than just hope—she is asking for strength, for a miracle. She needs to know that she is not alone in this moment. Every prayer, every word of encouragement, every act of kindness will help to lift the heavy burden she is carrying right now.
Jax’s fight is far from over, but his spirit is unbreakable. He is a warrior—a little boy who has already faced the impossible and continues to rise. His mother’s strength, too, is unyielding. She has been through more than any mother should ever have to endure, yet she keeps fighting for him, keeps believing in him, and keeps praying for the miracle that will give him a chance at life.
Today, let us all come together to pray for Jax. Pray that his lungs stay clear, that his body responds to the treatment, and that he gets the strength he needs to keep fighting. Pray that his mother finds peace and comfort, knowing that her son is surrounded by love, that he is not alone, and that there are countless people lifting him up in prayer.
To Jax’s family: You are not alone. We are here for you. We are holding you in our hearts, sending you love, strength, and all our best thoughts for the road ahead. We stand with you in this fight, and we will keep praying for you.
To Jax, little warrior, you are our inspiration. Your strength, your courage, and your fight remind us all that nothing is impossible. You are not defined by your illness—you are defined by your unbreakable spirit. Keep fighting, sweet boy. You’ve already proven that you are capable of miracles. We believe in you, and we are here, cheering you on every step of the way.
Please join me in sending prayers, love, and strength to Jax and his family. 🙏💛
