Jack Wishart was nicknamed “Super Jack” – and for good reason. The toddler from Hamilton was a source of inspiration for many people at McMaster Children’s Hospital as he bravely journeyed with cancer.

In 2017, when Jack was receiving care at the Hospital for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), he would wear his Superman T-shirt while jumping up and down in his Jolly Jumper.

“Jack’s toes would be pointed like he was ready to take off like Superman,” recalls his mother, Maria. “That’s how he got his nickname. Other parents and patients would pull up chairs to watch Super Jack jumping and squealing with happiness in the doorway to his room. He brought joy and hope to others in the Hospital.”

Jack’s journey with cancer

The diagnosis of ALL came when Jack was only five months old. He stole the hearts of all the doctors, nurses and staff who were fortunate enough to see his smile and hear his giggle.

Jack passed away from his cancer when he was 13 months old, but the inspiration he brought to those around him lived on.

In 2020, Maria began fundraising for McMaster Children’s Hospital Foundation in memory of Super Jack. She was inspired to draw the logo for the “Wish Heart Fund” in his honour.

“Super Jack spent most of his life on the inpatient unit and his fantastic health care team always went above and beyond for him. I created the Wish Heart Fund to say thank you, and to help other children and families receiving care for cancer at McMaster Children’s Hospital.”

Sharing inspiration

One of the fun activities hosted by the Wish Heart Fund is the Spring, Hope and Happiness Art Exhibition – an annual fundraiser designed to engage the community and bring smiles to the faces of pediatric cancer patients. For the Exhibition, children are invited to fundraise and create inspiring works of art that can be used to decorate the inpatient unit.

Through their Christmas program, the Wish Heart Fund collects toys and gift cards for young cancer patients who must spend the Holiday Season on the inpatient unit. Nobody wants to spend the Holidays in the Hospital, but Maria is determined to “bring some joy and comfort to those brave cancer warriors” if they can’t be at home.

To date, the Fund has raised more than $32,000 in support of McMaster Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Healing self and others

“Creating the Wish Heart Fund was my way to honour his legacy – by putting some positivity out into the world,” says Maria. “By giving back and helping others in need, it helped me to heal too.”

When Maria thinks of Baby Jack, she thinks of all of the joy he brought to those around him and how he made the world a brighter place. With the generosity of donors, the Wish Heart Fund is helping to make the world brighter for young cancer patients and families at McMaster Children’s Hospital.

“I’m so grateful to all of our donors for their support. Thank you for making a difference.”

To learn more about the Wish Heart Fund or to make a donation, please click here.