Meet nine-year-old Jack Johnson: Manitoba’s new Champion Child

Nine-year-old Jack is Manitoba’s new Champion Child – a boy living with cerebral palsy who loves to clean, fish and fly kites.

A nine-year-old boy with cerebral palsy, who loves to clean, fish and fly kites, has been announced as Manitoba’s new Champion Child.

The Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba made the announcement on Thursday, marking the start of Jack Johnson’s champion year.

“Today is a very special day because every year we have the privilege of announcing the new Champion Child for our province,” said Stefano Grande, president and CEO of the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba.

“This individual represents 140,000 kids every single year who rely on our hospital…This cause touches every one of us. Whether it’s our own children, a niece or a nephew or a child’s friend, we can all get behind this cause.”

Jack and his twin brother were born prematurely at 26 weeks with a combined weight of less than five pounds. Jack’s brother died at six days old, while Jack suffered from hydrocephalus, which is a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain that puts pressure inside the skull. This led to Jack requiring several brain surgeries before the age of two.

The Manitoba boy was also diagnosed with spastic diplegia – a type of cerebral palsy that impacts his lower body.

Thanks to the help of the staff at the HSC Children’s Hospital, Jack is now an energetic, mobile kid who loves doing everyday activities, including collecting flags and arts and crafts.

However, Jack’s journey is not over as he will continue to require care from the Children’s Hospital.

“This year we’ve chosen an incredibly persevering young man to be the Champion Child for Manitoba,” said Andrew Ferris, manager of corporate and community partnerships with the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba.

As Manitoba’s Champion Child, Jack and his parents join a group of ambassadors who support their local children’s hospitals. Throughout his champion year, Jack will attend several events where he will tell his story and raise funds for the HSC’s Children’s Hospital.