Fundraiser for Stittsville boy with life-limiting conditions ends in financial loss

Jack Brown was born with a rare syndrome, known as CHARGE syndrome, that has left him deaf, visually impaired, with severe autism and epilepsy.

His father, Gregory Brown, is facing his own health complications but has never lost hope for his son, Jack. He has been raising money for years, in order to help fund the 24-hour care Jack needs.

Brown has been raising funds in creative ways including a ‘Rock Out 4 Jack’ bottle drive. While bottle drives have been successful, the cost of care for his son far exceeds funds raised.

Brown described his son as “the happiest boy ever”, and he explained fundraising efforts are aimed at caring for Jack and improving his quality of life.

In an interview on The Sam Laprade Show, Gregory Brown said he was invited to Brockville Rib Fest to set up an exhibitor booth and added, he was blown away by their support.

Brown said his tent displayed music print art, including rare collectible prints of artists, like Bob Marley.

“I was hoping to sell some of them and that money would go back into care for Jack,” explained Brown.

But things didn’t go as expected. The area was hit by a small tornado and severe rains on the first day, and they were forced to close their booth, he said. Additionally, one of five guitars in the raffle was damaged, valued at $3000 dollars.

“We arrive for day two, our tent was fully secured and we went to undo it and noticed someone had broken in,” added Brown. “I had 12 prints inside the tent and they were all tossed around, laying in muddle puddles and a couple were stolen.”

The father is hoping their story inspired someone that has information to step up, and right this wrong.

While Brown said the response to his social media post regarding the matter has been overwhelming. Within the first two days, he explained, the post has been shared around 300 times and Jack has gained 70 new followers on his Facebook page.

“The comments and empathy shown towards myself and Jack and what we’re trying to do has been wonderful,” said Brown.

While Brown said he lost an estimate $4,500 dollars, in value of items for sale, a local man purchased an item and donated $1,000 dollars that will go towards alleviating some medical costs associated with Jack’s care.

Those interested in supporting the Brown family can visit their Go Fund Me page.