“It was an HONOR for me, as a flight nurse and as a man, to bear witness to what we encountered when we landed with Jack tonight. In my eight years of flying and 24 years in healthcare, I have never seen such an overwhelming display of love and support that was shown. It was an emotional experience that I and my crew will never forget. Thank you so much for allowing us to bring your family back together. God bless.”
Mom Kim Speegle received this text message from one of the flight nurses at Angel MedFlight after the hero’s welcome for young Jack Speegle. Jack, Kim and father Darrin were returning home to Tennessee after his 120 day stay at Rady’s Children Hospital in San Diego. Jack was at the hospital to address his severely scoliotic spine. It was yet another step in the long road to recovery for our eight-year-old hero, Jack. Even the pilots, a normally stoic bunch, were moved by this scene of love and support!
Many of you may recognize the name Jack Speegle; he is the small sparkplug of a boy who was plagued with a spinal infection early in his young life resulting in a severe scoliosis as he continued to grow. He was a NuVasive Spine Foundation U.S. Patient assist patient with Dr. Gregory Mundis in 2013. In March of 2015, Jack experienced a setback with his previous surgery with the rods poking out of the skin in his back requiring a large revision surgery and an extensive four-month stay at Rady Children’s Hospital, including extensive testing and the placement of a “halo” (how appropriate for this little guy) to facilitate traction or straightening his spine before Jack’s definitive scoliosis surgery on June 10th, 2015.
Kim has chronicled the early history of Jack’s medical challenges in her first book, “Miracles Don’t Happen the Way You Think They Do”. Jack’s spine care has been partially supported through the NSF and a host of other private philanthropists. This was his third visit to San Diego, CA from his home in Prospect, TN. The powerful spirit of Jack and the entire Speegle family has positively influenced so many people; their faith and energy are inspirational!
On the day of surgery Kim was wearing her lucky shirt with the words “Backin’ Jack”, with a tiny baseball player, emblazoned on the front. The bright blue shirt matched her big blue eyes and despite the stress of the day, Kim had a ready smile and her strong, ever present faith. She was wringing her hands lightly waiting with her husband and other family friends. Little Jack Speegle had been in the operating room for over six hours and the family was waiting patiently for the results of Jack’s scoliosis surgery.
As the nurse called Kim to check in with the surgeons, she rushed off at cheetah speed and looked over her shoulder yelling, “Come on David and Bryan, you come too”. It felt like hallowed ground to be included in the family meeting with Dr. Burt Yaszay and Dr. Greg Mundis. The surgeons were very pleased with the clinical outcome of the surgery as one can clearly see by the pre and post-operative surgery x-rays.
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Palpable joy after a successful surgery for Jack Speegle. Dr. Greg Mundis with Darrin and Kim Speegle and Dr. Burt Yazsay. Jack’s pre and post-operative xray images demonstrating the clear correction of his scoliotic spine.
Jack’s power continues to return and his fight for recovery is rejuvenated by being home with his family. He is surrounded by his siblings and brand new puppy to accompany him on his journey. And we wait. We wait for more news.
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Despite a successful surgery, the rehabilitation and Jack’s return to baseball will be a long-haul.
A Hero’s Welcome Home! Family time for Jack and his siblings with brand new puppy, “Rocky”.
It’s like reading an epic novel; you’re at the end of one chapter and can’t wait to find out what happens next along the journey. Our hero and his family continue to inspire us with positive faith in the strength of goodness and an attitude of gratitude. Best of luck young Jack!
G. Bryan Cornwall, PhD, PEng: July 15, 2015.
15-NUVA-1056