Life has been tough for Jack Copperwaite. Born with Crouzen Syndrome, the three-year-old suffers from a rare genetic condition that causes excess fluid on the brain (hydrocephalus) and complications to the development of his skull. Since his birth, Jack has undergone 11 operations to relieve the fluid in his cranial cavity, or intracranial space. Any impact to his head could cause immediate and severe injuries, if not completely fatal.
With hopes of raising funds to offset the surmounting costs of Jack’s surgeries and care, more than 40 jet skiers rallied together to hold “a SPLASHTACULAR fundraiser,” riding from Queenscliff to the Clifton Springs’ boat ramp late last year. The effort raised an impressive $10,000 on the solitary weekend, with organizer Heath Tournier saying it was “a great turnout” for an event organized just a few weeks earlier.
Working through his charity the Tournier Foundation, Tournier aims to help other young people in need, as the $10,000 raised from this ride will go to Jack’s ongoing care needs and help fund renovations on the family home. In an article published by The Geelong Advertiser, appeals for “help in building him a new bedroom because doctors were concerned his cramped bedroom were made. A contractor, Mr Tournier quickly offered to lend a hand and is in the process of renovating a new room for Jack, the kitchen and his parents’ bedroom.”
Jack’s mother, Donna said, “We’ve got good people around us and in the community to support him and it’s overwhelming.” Present at the Clifton Springs’ boat ramp to meet the riders, Jack – despite spending more than 140 days in the hospital – couldn’t be bothered, spending the day “paddling in the shallows,” and stopping to take pictures with several of the participants.
To donate to the Foreman Jack fund go to thetournierfoundation.org
