A celebration of life for Jack Ryan Rollins, age 5, will be held noon Sunday at Bridgeport Conference Center. Members of the community are invited and are asked to wear their favorite superhero shirts.

 

Jack was born Feb. 5, 2011 and in December of 2014 he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of childhood cancer called Neuroblastoma. Throughout his extensive battle with the disease, he displayed bravery, as well as a positive, selfless spirit and love for God others. While he was fighting cancer, Jack showed his compassion for other young children by suiting up in the superhero gear and visiting them in the hospital.

 

He won the hearts of individuals across his hometown of Bridgeport, as well as neighboring cities and states. Dante Bonamico, a 2016 Bridgeport High School graduate and former member of the BHS Indian football team said he considered meeting Jack one of the highlights of his high school career.

 

“A little boy showed me the true meaning of being a champion, a fighter, a hero,” he said. “I admired the strength that he had and how he took on life with full force.”

 

Jack attended Bridgeport United Methodist Church Preschool. His teacher Tina Bulka said Jack loved school and always walked into class with a big smile. His friends loved him and were always eager to help take care of him. 

 

“Anyone who met Jack instantly felt the love he emitted,” Mrs. Bulka said. “His deep blue eyes seemed to pierce through your heart when he looked at you. He was beyond his years with the wisdom of heaven. He spread his love deep and wide. So I have to say in Jack's case, the student has taught the teacher. I was very blessed to have him in my classroom. His sweet spirit and beautiful smile reflected the very face of God.”

 

Feb. 5, 2016 was declared “Jack Rollins Day” in Harrison County as individuals, school students, churches and businesses combined forces to celebrate his 5^th birthday. T-shirts were created and sold in his honor. Special events were held. From young children to city and county officials, nearly everyone dressed as superheroes for Jack.  Cards and gifts poured in.

 

Jack also loved Legos and earlier this week, he was granted his wish through the Make-A-Wish Foundation by delivering special Lego sets and organized a gathering in the playroom of WVU Children’s Hospital featuring a visit from The Lego Man.

 

Last week, he shared a wish for a gray Chihuahua and within hours, he had two. He named them Piper and Violet. (Read about it HERE.)

 

Felicia Bryant, who was active in fundraising for Jack and has been one of thousands of avid followers of the “Jack Rollins Journey” Facebook page, said Jack’s strength has been such an inspiration.

 

“God has used him to bring us all together to pray and to hope and to love. What a miracle.”

 

Condolences and memories can be shared with Jack’s parents Brooke and Ryan and the rest of his family HERE. The YouTube video below was posted July 20