When Senator Joe Manchin made a stop in Fairmont this morning, he told them before he was leaving that he was going to Bridgeport for Jack Rollins Day. As he came to find out, he didn’t need to tell the folks in Marion County what was taking place today in their neighboring county just to the south.

 

“They said, ‘yes, it’s superhero day.’ They knew about it Fairmont; everybody down there,” said Manchin. “That’s social media … Isn’t that something?”

 

Today, Feb. 5, is Jack Rollins’ 5^th birthday. Unfortunately, this beautiful child with the engaging blue eyes and captivating smile is celebrating his birthday in the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan. As many of you know, Jack Rollins is a youngster who is battling neuroblastoma, a form of aggressive cancer that often strikes children and has seen little Jack battle round after round of chemotherapy and dozens of other treatments.

 

In order to help ease the burden of what he’s going through, Alissa Robinson – a friend of Jack’s mother’s Brooke – contacted Harrison County Commission Ron Watson and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mark Manchin last week about having a special day for Jack on his birthday. Commissioner Watson got the wheels in motion for a Jack Rollins Day Proclamation made official yesterday and Manchin signed off on it for the school system.

 

This morning, schools and businesses and just about everyone else is dressed in their favorite superhero gear in honor of Jack. And as Manchin mentioned, it’s spilled over across other parts of the state as well.

 

Manchin made his comments in Bridgeport this morning as he made a brief stop at Precision Oil & Gas to talk briefly about the declining oil industry in West Virginia and saying he hopes to help built it back up, but to also give well wishes to Jack Rollins. Not surprisingly, when Manchin showed up he was greeted by a staff dressed as superheroes.

 

And he also got to meet and talk to Jeff Adkins, Jack’s grandfather, who works at Ryan Environmental Energy Services and frequently works in conjunction with Precision. Adkins said he’s just been overwhelmed by the support throughout the ordeal.

 

“I’m not really shocked, but the State of West Virginia and all the people in this state are just good folks. It’s a family state and they think about the family,” said Adkins. “I just really appreciate everything everyone has done. It’s in Harrison County, Lewis County and all over the place. It’s just amazing.”

 

Manchin talked briefly with Adkins about his grandson. He asked him about Jack’s prognosis.

 

“It’s day to day,” said Adkins. “They’re doing experimental trials.”

 

When Manchin asked if it was possible that it could be terminal and Adkins responded, “yes sir,” Manchin said there’s still hope.

 

“Always,” Adkins said emphatically.

 

Adkins’ wasn’t providing lip service when he mentioned hope. In fact, he said there’s been something special about Jack since the moment he laid eyes on.

 

“From the time he was born he was special. He’s such an intelligent child, but his best quality is his heart and his kindness that he’s shown toward other people and kids,” said Adkins. “He’s spent so much time through this with adults that he actually speaks like an adult, but he’s still a little boy that loves his Leggos and his superheroes. He also loves to hunt and fish with his grandfather. I can’t wait until he gets well and we’ll be out there doing all of that.”

 

Following today’s gathering, the staff was gathered and had a birthday cake in Jack’s honor. They also presented Adkins with a check to help the family with the ongoing expenses associated with Jack’s health situation. The event was spearheaded by Bridgeport resident Paul Smith, who is the President of Precision.

 

“We try to help as many people in this community as possible. At church Sunday we had prayer for Jack and we wanted to follow that up by following whatever was taking place this week and do what we could do today,” said Smith. “The parents and the family are facing tough times and a situation that no one wants to be in. Anything we can do to help someone in this community and hopefully ease that burden it’s the least we can do.”

 

Smith, who has two healthy children – both of whom attend Bridgeport High School – said the situation involving Jack Rollins is something all families need to pay attention to.

 

“It makes you sit back and realize not only what you have, but what’s important,” said Smith. “It’s a blessing to have two healthy children and we know, and hopefully others will know, that things could be worse. We just wish the best for Jack and his family.”

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Senator Manchin with the staff of Precision Oil & Gas, while Manchin, left, is shown with Jack's grandfather Jeff Adkins and Precision President Paul Smith, far right, in the middle photo. In the bottom, Manchin is shown as he arrives for his visit.