UPDATE: I am sad to share the news that Jack passed away the evening of Tues., July 19, 2016. I continue to lift his family up in prayer and I look forward to seeing Jack someday in the Kingdom of Heaven. Thank you for what you taught us in your short life. A more beautiful spirit we will never know. From the Jack Rollins Journey Facebook Page:

 

"Our hearts are heavy this evening. Our precious Jack is now in heaven running free. We love you Jack Jack! Until we are together again, we will remain Jack Strong."

 

Original post, morning of July 19:

 

We’ve never seen a story spread so fast as when last Wednesday, Connect-Bridgeport shared a post from the “Jack Rollins Journey” Facebook page.

 

The post stated that little 5-year-old Jack Rollins – who has become known throughout the region for his courageous battle with Neuroblastoma – wished for a puppy. It was not just any puppy; it was a gray Chihuahua. Both on Facebook and our site, thousands and thousands read, many stepping out to search the Internet and make phone calls to find such a pup. One Connect reader even wanted to pay for a puppy for the little boy.

 

The very next afternoon, we shared another post. A Bridgeport woman had located and purchased the wish puppy and was on her way to Burgaw, NC, to get her. She was looking for someone in that area to make the pick-up for her and head north so she could get the puppy to Jack in a shorter amount of time. Again, the post went viral with emails and phone calls pouring in expressing a desire to help.

 

The woman on the mission – Melinda Petroff – received dozens of calls. In fact, she said the only time she pulled over on the Interstate was to respond to calls, emails and Facebook comments. Her sister,Crystal Morris's phone was lighting up too as she was fielding responses for Melinda. They connected with one of several individuals who volunteered to make the pick-up and get on the road to meet Melinda. It was Chelsea Newell of Burgaw, formerly of Grafton, who saved her about two hours on the return trip. By 3:45 a.m. Friday - 14 hours after Melinda left Bridgeport - the puppy was delivered to the Rollins family in the parking lot of WVU Children’s Hospital, where Jack is hospitalized. Melinda said she knew the puppy, who rode the approximate 350-mile journey curled up beside her, was going to be the perfect pet for Jack.

 

A mix between a miniature and teacup Chihuahua, she is very small in size, but has big personality, Melinda said.

 

“I cannot explain to you how incredibly sweet this puppy is,” she said. “I know all puppies are cuddly and sweet, but there was truly a lovingness about this puppy that was special.”

 

The Rollins family knew the puppy was on the way.

 

“That morning, I sent a picture of that puppy to Jack’s family. I made sure it was available first and ready to come home,” Melinda said. “The family showed her to Jack and he decided he wanted her. I just had to verify for sure that she was short hair, gray and a girl.”

 

And she was. In fact, her coat is a very rare color of lilac/lavender. Jack appropriate named her Violet.

 

But Violet wasn’t the only Chihuahua he received. Before she made her way from North Carolina, another puppy had made its way into Jack’s arms. It was James and Jami Powell with “Powell’s Puppy Palace in Minerva, Ohio, who gifted the pup. Jack's Uncle Mark and Aunt Tammy made the drive to Ohio to pick him up. His name is Piper.

 

“Two beautiful puppies for Jack – lilac gray … very rare and dark gray. Awesome. Double the kisses,” the Jack Rollins Journey Facebook Page shared.

 

Not only did the puppies arrive, but also a variety of supplies for their care, donated by Eastern Pet Supply in Bridgeport.

The family expressed its appreciation to all involved in locating and delivering the pups.

 

“The puppies are helping to comfort Jack during this very difficult time," a Facebook post indicated.

 

It was about a week and a half ago that the family shared that Jack’s condition had taken a turn for the worse. At a July 10 prayer vigil held for him, a couple hundred people flocked to Bridgeport Recreation Complex, sharing prayers and tears, lighting a candle and lifting their voices in song, praying for Jack’s perfect healing and comfort and also praising God for sustaining him and giving him the strength needed for the terrible fight he has been faced with at such a young age. They also thanked God for using Jack to bring a community together. And in a world where violence, greed, disrespect and lawlessness have recently shown their ugly faces way too many times, we should indeed be thankful for the generous, selfless acts we have seen over the past several days, weeks and months.

 

Please continue lift Jack, his parents Brooke and Ryan and his entire family and other loved ones in your prayers.

 

If you would like to send a card or gift, they can be mailed to Jack at 76 Hill Drive, Jane Lew, WV 26378. 

 

Editor’s Note: If the name Melinda Petroff sounds familiar, it is because she is the great-aunt of Gavin Morris, who affectionately became known as “Gavin Strong” when he, too, battled the same type of childhood cancer, Neuroblastoma. Melinda tirelessly raised funds and awareness for Gavin and other children who fought the cancer fight. Two years after Gavin passed away – become “cancer free” - she continues to do that. She said as soon as she saw the post that Jack wanted a puppy, she was bound and determined that would happen and she immediately went to work to find one. She asked that I keep her role in all of this to a minimum in writing this story, but her compassion and action have really touched me. And I knew it would touch you too. 

 

“I just want people to understand that I did it for Jack,” she said. “No other reason. I truly care about him and that family so much. They are wonderful people. Jack is an amazing, sweet, loving and kind little boy.”

 

And the family’s words to Melinda were:

 

“Thank you very much to Melinda Petroff. We are forever grateful for your kind heart and love for Jack.” 

 

Julie Perine can be reached at 304-848-7200, julie@connect-bridgeport.com or follow @JuliePerine on Twitter. 

 

More "It's Happening" HERE.