Jackson's Journey
Jackson, like many teenagers, enjoys hobbies like watching TV, boxing, hanging out with friends and playing soccer.
His journey to Shriners Children’s began after many years of Botox® treatments, multiple surgeries, and ultimately a referral from his care team for instability in his right shoulder due to cerebral palsy. Without proper intervention, there was a chance he would permanently lose the use of his arm.
Jackson came to Shriners Children’s when he was 11 years old. Within five minutes of his first appointment with orthopedic hand surgeon, Chief of Staff Scott Kozin, M.D., it was determined that Jackson had an abnormality of the shoulder joint that was not typical for patients with cerebral palsy.
During that first visit, a care plan was created including scheduling glenoid osteotomy surgery to rebuild the shoulder joint. Today, his shoulder is stable and functional, and Jackson continues to receive weekly occupational therapy, physical therapy and strength training.
I feel blessed that we were able to come here for his shoulder, it was life-changing. Jackson loves going to see Dr. Kozin not only for the improvement in his life, but because he’s a really funny guy.
Growing up with two older siblings, Jackson was always active, and despite his limitations, he has not allowed his condition to slow him down. He fell in love with the sport of soccer.
Through an online discussion board, Jackson’s mom discovered CP Soccer. CP Soccer is an organization founded for children with ambulatory CP, stroke, or traumatic brain injury, to be able to play competitive soccer. Each year, CP Soccer hosts a weeklong summer camp and international tournament.
In 2022, Jackson attended the training camp and was invited to join four other teenagers from across the country to join the U.S. Men’s Paralympic Club team for the International Federation of CP Football World Cup Tournament, held in Barcelona, Spain. Jackson and his team won the gold medal in Barcelona, and the group most recently traveled to London, England, to compete.
Locally, Jackson plays for the Inter Connecticut Football Club. “His training with this team has been extremely beneficial in building strength and stretching him to play with typical players,” said Lisa.
Jackson is now 15 and has developed a great relationship with Dr. Kozin, and he looks forward to his yearly visits.
CP Soccer U.S. came home with the CP Challenge Trophy, placing No. 1 out of 12 teams.
