Jackson chose Michael, his father's name, as his confirmation name. He was confirmed on the Feast of the Arch Angels.
And Father DiSalvatore, who has recently been reassigned by his order to a parish in Hoboken, N.J., had supported Jackson and his family through the battle with cancer.
Now, Laskowski said she hopes to set up Facetime, online calls with web cameras, so Jackson can talk to Father DiSalvatore, Laskowski said.
"Father Remo has gone through the whole journey with us," she said. "He has been my spiritual strength throughout the last few years. He's really helped my family."
When Jackson was first diagnosed, his family reached out to their parish because they didn't have any family nearby, she said.
"We knew we needed prayer, emotional support and spiritual support," Laskowski said. "It never hurts to have too many prayers and blessings. Father DiSalvatore was very good about putting it out there for the church and asking everyone for prayers. Our parish in itself has just been amazing with the support we have gotten."
Now, she looks to Fathers Patrick Winslow and Matthew Kauth, the current pastor and priest-in-residence at St. Thomas Aquinas Church to help guide Jackson's faith journey.
"When we decided to allow Jackson to do the sacraments, we were told we could do it privately or at a vigil Mass," Laskowski said. "We have gotten so much support and the parishioners have traveled the journey with us. There are so many people who care about him and love him. We chose to do it at the vigil Mass and open it up to all those who want to attend – it's been as much their journey as ours."
Laskowski continues to turn to God and her parish for spiritual support.
"It's hard because today he's good. He's very good," she said. "I've lost a child already and the thought of losing another one is so very difficult to think of. We take every day we can and make it the best we can.
"That's why, if or when the cancer comes back, I want him to be able to feel the peace, love and grace you can only receive through the Body and Blood of Christ."
Keeping Hope alive
Through Jackson's fight with cancer, his family set up the Keep HOPE Alive Fund, which helps families of other children like Jackson who are battling cancer. Their first fundraiser was primarily to help Jackson because he was in need of a liver transplant, Laskowski said. Now the fund helps other Charlotte area families going through similar struggles.
"We raise money for families like ours whose children are battling cancer in areas that are not covered by medical insurance," she said.
The fund helps to cover living expenses, prescriptions, travel to get second opinions and, sadly, funeral costs. They partner with Levine Children's Hospital. The third annual fundraiser was held the night before Jackson received first Communion.
The Keep HOPE Alive Fund has also been chosen as the benefactor for a free concert, BLOCtoberfest , at the N.C. Music Factory on Saturday, Oct. 13.
Posted with permission from Catholic News Herald, official newspaper of the Diocese of Charlotte, N.C.