One year ago, Brooke and Ryan Rollins lost their 5-year-old son Jack to Neuroblastoma. Now, the family works to help others going through their own battles with childhood cancer. 

 

Just launched Wednesday was the Jack Rollins Foundation. 

 

“We have been planning this for about a year now and thought Jack’s one-year anniversary would be the perfect day to launch it,” Brooke Rollins said. “It’s a 501(c)3 non-profit organization which is 100 percent volunteer, tax-deductible and all proceeds going toward children fighting this disease, as well as helping their families.”

 

The community came together in a big way to provide assistance to the Rollins family when they were experiencing some very difficult, heartwrenching circumstances. 

 

“Without those donations, we wouldn’t have been able to give Jack the care he got because once you relapse and (treatment) is in clinical trial, insurance doesn’t cover much and it gets pretty expensive,” she said. “Pretty much all of it is out-of-pocket, as well as travel, lodging and meals.”

 

Brooke said it is her desire and hope that all children fighting cancer get the best opportunities for treatment without financial burden preventing them from getting the best care possible.

 

“This is our chance to do things Jack’s way,” she said. “What Jack would want is to make these kids happy and we want the community to help make that possible.”

 

Supporters are encouraged to go to the Jack Strong.org Web site.

 

"You’ll find a donation page where you can donate any amount or become a sponsor,” Brooke said. “There are some pretty neat packages – each represented by a different superhero.”

 

Levels of sponsorship include Spiderman ($5,000); Batman ($3,000); Iron Man ($1,000) and Hulk ($500), each of which come with T-shirts, bracelets and other items which can be used and distributed through participating businesses and organizations. There is also Team Jack merchandise for sale and a page where families can connect and share stories. 

 

The page is new and may be a little difficult to navigate from a mobile device. It’s likely easier to access through a desktop, Brook said. 

 

The Jack Strong Foundation Facebook page is also up and running and the Jack Rollins Journey Facebook page will continue to be active.

 

“We’ve had that from the beginning and we want people to know that we will keep them updated there and continue to share our own personal stories,” Brooke said.

 

Through his courageous fight, Jack did become the people’s superhero and continues to be an icon of strength, faith and hope.

 

Weather permitting, a lantern release will be held this evening in his honor. Those wishing to participate are asked to arrive at Bridgeport Recreation Complex, where lanterns will be distributed at 8:30 p.m. and launched at 9 p.m. 

 

Everyone is encouraged to wear their superhero or Team Jack shirts. Spiderman will be attending the event, Brooke said.

 

“It’s just a moment to honor Jack,” she said. 

 

In the event of rain, the lantern launch will be held at the same time and same venue Saturday evening.

 

Editor's Note: Brooke Rollins is shown (right) at a lantern release held in February to celebrate Jack's birthday.