Melodie Phelps, News Editor
CNHI
10-6-10 — There will be lots of bright smiles Saturday morning at the March
for Babies. But none will be as bright as those of "Team Jackson"
members as they celebrate the uplifting story of 20-month-old Jackson
Lincoln Burleson.
Jackson, the son of Mike and Jackie Burleson, was born with sagittal
synostosis, and underwent an extensive surgery to reconstruct his
skull when he was only five months old. Today, Jackson is a healthy
little boy getting ready to celebrate his second birthday. He loves
to play and jump on the inflateables at his parents' business, The
Party Concierge, and he is very friendly.
This year marks the first time the Burlesons have been involved with
the March for Babies, and they are glad that Jackson has been
selected as the Ambassador Child for this year's walk.
"I think it is awesome," said Mike.
"It's an honor," said Jackie, when asked about their role in this
year's walk. She said she is glad they can do this and do it in a
positive way, since their story has a good outcome.
It wasn't that long ago, when family and friends did not know what
would happen to Jackie or her young son. Jackie gave birth to Jackson
on December 5, 2008. While still in the hospital, she suffered a
stroke and suffered paralysis on her right side.
Mike was overwhelmed. His wife was gravely ill and he had a newborn
son to care for, as well as two teenage daughters at home. The
Burlesons will quickly tell you that without family and friends, many
who traveled from Monticello to their home at the time in Lynnville,
Ky., they would not have been able to handle everything.
"She completely lost her right side," said Mike, as he talked about
the days after his son was born.
Jackie went into rehab as part of her recovery and did not come home
from the hospital until January 19, 2009. She was still dealing with
some paralysis and some short term memory loss.
And at about that same time, the Burlesons found out that there was
something wrong with their infant son. At birth he appeared to be a
normal, healthy baby. But Mike noticed there was something different
about his head.
It was visibly narrow and Jackson's pediatrician began to measure
the boy's head. She advised his parents how to lay him and turn him
to see if the problem resolved itself. But a month later, the doctor
ordered some x-rays and a cat scan. She referred the Burlesons to
Vanderbilt Children's Hospital, where the diagnosis was confirmed.
Sagittal synostosis is premature fusion of the growth plates in his
head. Jackson was actually born without a soft spot.
As Jackie continued her recovery from the stroke, doctors were
evaluating Jackson and preparing him for surgery that would basically
reconstruct his skull to allow proper growth of his brain.
It was terrifying news for both Mike and Jackie. Mike will tell you
that they went through a pretty tough year, but there were some good
things that came from the adversity.
"We had gotten away from our faith in Jesus and this has sort of
renewed our faith," said Mike. "God will get your attention."
On May 21, 2009, Jackson underwent a four-hour surgical procedure,
which was successful. A plastic surgeon worked alongside the
neurologist in the cranial facial reconstruction.
Mike recalls the first thing his young son wanted when he came out
of surgery was a bottle. While the Burlesons thought sagittal
synostosis was rare, they have met another person who had the same
diagnosis, and he is doing very well.
Jackson went back for a check-up this past spring and everything is
going well. He won't have to go back to Vanderbilt until next April.
The Burlesons now live in Monticello where they are closer to family
and friends. And come Saturday morning they will all be on the
walking track at Memorial Park, when the walk begins at 12 noon.
For information contact Michelle Wesley at (606) 679-6514 or email
at mwesley@marchofdimes.com.