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Minn. (Northern News Now) – A Duluth teen is back on the water for the first time since health complications began last October
With the help of his friends, 16-year-old Jack Lushbough returned to sailing on Friday after months of hospitalization following health complications and a Crohn’s disease diagnosis
“I didn’t really think I was gonna be able to sail this year, so I’m super glad that I’m out here,” Jack said
Jack’s health complications began with a ruptured appendix in October, which led to further complications and a Crohn’s disease diagnosis. He has recently returned home after months at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., where he dealt with intense pain and neurological complications
“I mean, I hope I can get back to school just to see the people that I like,” Jack said
Jack’s mother, Jen Lushbough, says the family has experienced repeated hospital stays since his diagnosis. While Jack has a long road to recovery ahead, they’re hopeful he’s home for good this time
“Every time he’s discharged, we look forward to him recovering, getting healthier, and every time he’s ended up in the hospital. It’s been a very emotional up and down roller coaster for him, for all of us really,” Jen said
Jack is currently going through extensive physical therapy, relearning how to walk and climb stairs. His mother says the illness has changed much of Jack’s life but does not define him
“He is a 16-year-old kid who is working so hard to get back to his regular life,” Jen said
While he’s had a hard year and faces a lifetime of managing chronic illness, Jack remains positive
“It’s hard but, I don’t know, I feel like it’s made me a better person,” Jack said. “I think I’m able to see the good in a lot of things that happened to me. I’ve learned a lot throughout this year.”
Jack says the people around him have been key to his success, including the hospital staff in Duluth and in Rochester
“You need <a href="https://healthylife7.com/how-to-support-sedentary-seniors-in-getting-more-active/” title=”How to support sedentary seniors in getting more active”>support. A lot of people around you make it easy,” Jack said
The sailing community is coming together to host a fundraising event for Jack next week. Donations will go to Jack to use as he needs in the future
The fundraiser, hosted by the Duluth Yacht Club and Duluth Superior Sailing Association, will take place at the Duluth Yacht Club on Park Point from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sept. 2
To donate to Jack, click here
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