My name is Jesse, I am 14 years old and live in Palm Beach on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia.
In July 2004, two days before my ninth birthday a lump suddenly appeared on my neck. On the 4th of August 2004 I was diagnosed with Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma. Mum & Dad thought it would be a good idea to create this web site in order to let you know a little bit about me and the details of my treatments. We are busy getting heaps of information together so please come back regularly to see how the site is going!
Please browse my site and check out all the info on this page, the photos, the history of what has gone on to date in 'The Journey' section, and sign my guest book.
Last site update - 4 January 2010
Last history update - 20 April 2005
Monday 4 January, 2010
In November 2009 Jesse went once again for his 6 monthly check up. Everything was clear and the Oncologist was happy with all results, so much so that he was happy to say that as far as he was concerned, being 5 years down the track, that in his opinion Jesse was cured!! :o) Jesse is putting on a real growth spurt at the moment and is not only growing taller but is also muscling up after only 6 weeks of his new program with his strength and conditioning coach. Since the last update, Jesse's Aussie Rules footy team has played in 3 grand finals, winning 1 and losing 2. Jesse loves his footy, being in the AFL sports excellence program at PBC High for the last 2 years. Jesse is fit and healthy and eating me out of house and home like any normal teenage boy.
Thursday 4 August, 2005
Well folks, it is now a year to the day that Jesse was diagnosed. On Tuesday we went along to the Royal Childrens for the routine x-ray and ultrasound, which the radiographer told us looked good, then yesterday we saw Doctor Tim. Doctor Tim prodded and poked, looked here and 'there!', read the report from the tests and grinning, told Jess he is still in complete remission! YAY! Jess confided to me later that he had 'had a bad feeling' but was very relieved and happy with this news! Now we go back in October, but we believe that the results will still be just as good then! Jess goes to the eisteddfod at the Gold Coast Arts Centre next Wednesday with choir, where they are singing 'We Go Together' from Grease as well as the Irish Blessing. Good Luck Elanora State School!!
Saturday 23 July, 2005 - Jesse plays at the Gabba
Photos courtesy of Fox Footy Channel
Jesse kicks a goal!
Jesse gets chaired off the field by team mates
Interview with Tiffany
Well the day finally arrived when Jess and 18 of his fellow team mates would grace the centre of the Gabba during halftime at the Brisbane v Essendon match. Earlier in the day our boys played three Gold Coast Junior League games and it showed that they were pumped. In his first game of the day, Jesse booted four goals and followed up with another goal in his second game. With the local league games out of the way for the day it was time to head to Brisbane and the mighty Gabba. All the boys were so excited and played great footy once they took to the field. Jesse capped off a full day of footy with a goal and television interview with Tiffany from the Fox Footy Channel. We would sincerely like to thank Fox Footy for the wonderful piece they did on Jesse, it sends a true message of hope to all sick children, their family and friends.
Sunday 24 July, 2005 - Jesse's 10th Birthday!!!
Richard gives Jesse the Alternate Strip
Jesse & Richard (Jesse has hair this time!)
The birthday cake Aunty Nikky baked
Well he made it! Jesse celebrates his 10th birthday! His party was held at his Granny and Pop's home in Kedron, Brisbane. It was just a small family affair with uncles and aunties and of course Jesse's best mate Richard Hadley! We all had a great, relaxing, laid back day playing backyard cricket, kicking the footy around and digging into great food. Richard used to visit Jesse a lot when he was in hospital undergoing chemo and over the last 10 months Jesse and Richard have formed a great friendship. Needless to say, the highlight of Jesse's birthday was having Richard there!! After an extremely hectic weekend we were all ready and keen to take a well earned rest.
A Thank You from Jesse
Hey it's Jesse. Thank you to all my team mates for my game boy. And thanks to all the people who raised money for me I bought a walkmen some board games some gameboy games cd's ect. Thank's to all the people who visited me in hospital (It's boring) Thanks to all the people who sent me baloons and stuff. Thanks to everyone. I'm really greatful for it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Some background info on Jesse
Finishing his chemotherapy in January 2005 and confirmed as being in complete remission in March, Jesse didn't waste anytime getting back into footy. His old form started to shine through towards the end of the season as his health and stamina slowly improve. Of course Jesse ensured that he got to wear the #14 jumper, regardless of sizing.
A big CONGRATULATIONS to Richard Hadley for polling 3rd in the National Rising Star awards (2004) - what a champion, Jess is chuffed!
Jesse is a boy who loves and embraces life and the people he comes in contact with along the way. He never ceases to amaze his mother and I at the strength and fortitude he displays on a daily basis. He takes everything on the chin, without complaint. Operation after operation, procedure after procedure, poke here, prod there, the infusion of toxic substances, and he'll still greet you with a smile!
Jesse also loves music whether he is performing a song he has composed, singing karaoke or simply listening to it.
visitors since August 25, 2004