Brave Jack Sundin out of hospital for Christmas

Dec 24 2009 by Helen Rae, The Journal

Speaking from their home in Hertford Close, Beaumont Park, Lisa said: “Jack is doing really well and we are looking forward to spending the festive season together as a family.

“It is the first Christmas since Jack was born that we have not had any of his health problems to worry about and I’m in a bit disbelief that we have got through it all and there is now light at the end of the tunnel.

“It is hard to put into words how difficult the last year has been. There were times when I didn’t think Jack was going to make it, but he has and we are all so proud of him and how well he has coped.

“It will be great to put this year behind us all and focus on the future. It’s the first time we’ve been able to plan things in advance as a family and I’m looking forward to starting a new year with Jack’s future looking good.”

The youngster had open heart surgery at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital, where he went under the knife for more than 10 hours to reroute the defective circulation in his heart.

He was born prematurely at 32 weeks, weighing just 3lb 4oz, and spent his first few months in a hospital incubator. When he got home he continued to need oxygen 24 hours a day. In total he has had six operations in his short life.

Jack has also been diagnosed with chronic lung disease and is smaller than an average child his age.

“The difference in Jack over the last couple of months is amazing,” explained Lisa. “He is running and climbing all over the place. It’s great to see him with so much energy.

“He is such a sociable little boy and is always smiling. We are so lucky to have him, he’s great and just takes everything in his stride.”

Jack will continue to have annual health check-ups and within the next two years will have the metal rods and pins taken out of his back.

It is the first Christmas since Jack was born that we have not had any of his health problems to worry about