Kid Fighting Cancer Flies in To Attend Fox & Hounds Fundraiser in Brandon

Seven bands, an Irish dancing troupe and a roast pig were among the attractions at marathon fundraising drive Sunday, May 22 at a Brandon pub but the biggest star of the day was a pint-size youngster who is fighting liver cancer.

Despite scorching afternoon temperatures, a large crowd turned out to help raise funds for Jackson Laskowski at the , 229 E. Brandon Blvd. The event included area musicians, a children's play area, dunk tank and raffles.

Jackson and his mom, Maggie, flew down from North Carolina for the event.

“I found out about the fundraiser about a month ago but I didn’t know it would be to this extent especially since we are not even from this area,” said Maggie Laskowski. “When I saw all the raffle items and the tents I was overwhelmed and very humbled.”

Jackson was diagnosed with liver cancer just before his third birthday. A liver transplant and chemotherapy saw the cancer recede for a time but it returned earlier this year.

Donna McCarty, Jackson’s aunt, and her husband, Matt, were attending a golfing fundraiser for Jackson in North Carolina earlier this year when they thought of holding something similar in Florida.

“It’s been a long battle for Jackson and his family and we always wanted to do something but then when we returned from that trip we decided the time was now,” said Matt McCarty. “We just felt compelled and thanks to a lot of friends and connections that helped we were able to.”

Tracey Adelhouser, co-owner of the Fox and Hounds and a close friend of McCartys, was one of those who helped make the event a reality.  

“It’s been a good day but more than anything else we hope for Jackson’s recovery. That’s more important than anything else,” Adelhouser said.

Among the performers who donated their time to event were: The Single Malt Brothers, J.J. Smith, Joe Stetson, Joe Grill and the RSF Band with J. Coker.

“We even had a group of young Irish dancers from the McGinley Academy of Irish Dance who had just spent their whole day performing in Orlando come all the way here to perform,” said Donna McCarty.

All proceeds from the event benefit the Jackson Laskowski's "Keep Hope Alive Fund" to help with the medical care, life-long treatments and medications not covered by insurance. Donations are also accepted. For more information, contact dam710@gmail.com or call (813) 601-6361.

If interested in making a donation to help the Laskowski family: Jackson Laskowski Keep Hope Alive Fund, c/o St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 1400 Suther Road, Charlotte, N.C., 28213

Jackson and his family keeps an online journal about his journey.