Page 18 - BUZZ Magazine - Issue No. 3 - Summer 2022 | University of Rochester

MIRA CLE KID
MIRA CL E K ID S

After getting a variety of opinions on next
steps, the family turned to Golisano Children's
Hospital in Rochester, Eric’s and Sara’s
hometown. An Army transfer followed. Soon,
David Korones, MD, professor of pediatrics,
oncology, and neurology, became Jack’s
physician. Korones and a much-trusted team
at the hospital guided Jack and the Harrison
family through a 60-week chemotherapy plan.

During treatment, the old Jack started coming
back. His cognition improved and the tumor
started shrinking. By June 2019—nine months
into chemotherapy—Jack was buckling his own
seatbelt again. His mom cried every time she
heard it click.

In November 2021, Jack finished his 60th round
of chemotherapy. He finally got to ring the bell
in the hospital lobby—the one that marks the
end of treatment. When he hit that bell, the
lobby—which was full of Jack’s health care team
along with his family and friends—erupted with
applause and joyful tears.

Today, Jack is thriving. He goes in for checkups
every few months, but otherwise, he’s doing
what typical 10-year-old boys do: making (and
devouring) cookies with his mom, playing video
games with his brother, sledding fast down big
hills. He enjoys swimming, too, and he’s found
a passion for theater.

Since ringing that bell, Jack has been in
10 theater productions, most recently as Prince
Eric, the male lead in Gananda Community
Youth Theater's production of The Little
Mermaid. He even sang a solo in it. “Jack sings
like an angel,” says his mom. “And, he is fearless.
Getting on stage, going through chemo, Jack
has done—and is doing—it all. He inspires us
and so many others with his courage.”

17 | UNIVERSITY OF ROCHES TER BUZZ MA G AZINE