By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Fresh from taking on the Education Department, 11-year-old Jack Ottens is facing another critical battle in the next month.
The brilliant Berwick youngster has been given a life-changing chance to be ridded of what has been a ticking time-bomb – an arterioveinous malformation (AVM).
In the past two years, it has ruptured twice without warning. Each time this happens, Jack risks suffering a potentially fatal bleed deep in his brain.
He narrowly survived the first rupture when rushed to hospital for emergency brain surgery.
Treatment is not without its risks. The refined Gamma Knife Radiation treatment that’s been offered in Sydney in June or July has an 80 per cent chance of success.
It’s his best shot, though there’s a risk – up to 20 per cent – that he will be paralysed down his left side. As well as partial blindness, chronic pain and long-term brain swelling.
His mother Christine says that in 20 years’ time, Jack is almost certain to develop brain tumours from the treatment.
It’s hoped that by that time, medicine can remedy those ills, Ms Ottens says.
But to do nothing is not an option.
“It’s not great but there is no better,” Ms Ottens says.
“There is the hope that Jack can live a full and productive life.
“If it doesn’t work then Jack will continue to live each day for the rest of his life as he has for the last six years – with the fear that today could be his last.”
The family has turned to crowdfunding to try to help cover much of the $5000-plus treatment’s cost. Medicare and private health insurance covers little.
The crowdfunding site was set up in 2016 to help cover the extraordinary medical, flight and accommodation expenses.
If the funds are raised, Jack will be treated as soon as 26 June, or possibly 10 July.
As recently reported in Star News, Ms Ottens has been fighting the Education Department for six years to better school Jack – who is often absent from school due to his precarious condition.
Since then, there has been a minor breakthrough. The Department has allowed Jack’s school, Berwick Chase Primary, to submit for resources under Program for Students with Disabilities funding.
Education is key for Jack, who is Mensa-listed and has a keen interest in insects, astronomy and natural sciences.
“What he makes of his life will be up to him,” Ms Ottens said.
“But as a parent I have a responsibility to give him the tools to be able to do that.”
To help Jack, go to https://www.gofundme.com/jackottens
