A family was left shattered after a 15-year-old boy was diagnosed with leukemia only two weeks after his identical twin passed away from a brain tumor.
Doctors first thought that Jack Parton had post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD after his brother Ben died.
However, the family was left devastated after the schoolboy discovered that he had blood cancer.
Jack’s heartbroken mother, Julie Parton, said: “To be told my surviving son had leukemia was devastating.
“Although I have to hold out hope that leukemia is curable whereas Ben never had that chance.”
Jack’s twin brother, Ben, died despite undergoing 30 sessions of radiotherapy, two surgeries, and two cycles of chemotherapy.
He had been diagnosed with a glioblastoma after experiencing agonizing headaches and vomiting. Only a month later, a CT scan showed a mass on his brain.
Two weeks after the funeral, the grieving family was struck again by cancer when Jack was diagnosed with leukemia.
“Ben was very laid back compared to Jack who is feisty – they balanced each other out,” Ms. Parton shared.
“But Ben loved Christmas and would get so excited from end of October. He made Christmas so fun for us.”
In memory of Ben, Jack is now taking part in Brain Tumor Research’s Wear A Christmas Hat Day to help raise money for the charity.
“Jack is doing well and nearing the end of his treatment. I feel privileged to be his mum,” Ms. Parton said.
Mel Tiley, the community development manager at Brain Tumor Research, said that the story of Ben is devastating and they are grateful to their mom for sharing it with them.
“The family’s experience demonstrates the need for more funding and research into brain tumors to keep families together,” she said.
“We wish Julie and Jack all the best for their fundraiser this Wear A Christmas Hat Day.”
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