SLIM THE LEGEND

BENJAMIN JACKSON HILL – AKA SLIM

Many have asked about Jackson since the start of the 4TH ROW project.  We love to talk about him with anyone that will listen.  When asked, we are instantly faced with the challenge of compressing a very complex issue into a few short minutes.  We generally stay safe and remain at surface level for fear that no one really cares as much as we do.  But in all honesty, If I wasn’t Jackson’s Dad, I would like to hear more about the kid who was completely normal and athletic at 13 years old.  He then morphed into the kid with an awkward goofy neck, then a shockingly straight neck, then a gimp right arm, followed by a wheel chair, and then confined to a bed by the time he was 20. 

Jackson didn’t have a solid run through his teenage years due to a brutal diagnosis: Atypical Spinal Meningioma Tumor.  In common language, an aggressive tumor that was growing inside his spinal column attached to the lining of his spinal cord.  Once diagnosed, the tumor had already done a major amount of damage to the spinal column.  Thankfully the tumor had not invaded the spinal cord protective lining.  What followed was a journey that is complex and would take days to recount so it will suffice to list major milestones in his life.

– Major surgery #1 to cut into the spinal column to remove as much tumor as possible from the spinal cord– Damaged vertebrae couldn’t hold a normal posture 

– Hence the beginning of the alien-like neck

– Major surgery #2 to fuse his entire neck from base of his skull to middle of his back + titanium rods for added stability – PERFECTLY straight neck once again.  But never to move again either.

 – Learned to function again without the rotation of a normal neck.  Give it try… try to perform any normal function without moving your neck – up or down or side to side.  

– Taught himself how to play and shoot a basketball again with his limitations.  Funny thing is that a simple shot around or under the basket became the only shot that he couldn’t physically make.  He couldn’t look up to see the rim :). Shooting 3’s and attacking the rim with a deadly floater became his main weapons.

– Played a full Freshman basketball season.

– Learned to hit left handed as it was easier to hit without a neck – Retired from Baseball and found out he loved to RUN

– Finished Top10 in region to qualify for State Cross Country meet.

– Tumors returned again with a vengeance.  Lost function of right arm and leg – AGAIN.

– Major surgery #3 needed to reduce the size of tumor 

– One year off from physical activity and sports.

– Full Rehab – Ran and Ran and Ran some more.  Fell in love with running.  It was the best way for him to feel free and enjoy his legs again.

– Qualified for State Cross Country meet.

– Rebuilt his basketball shot for the 3rd (and final time) 

– Finished 2nd in 2A Basketball – 3PT shot made per game (2.3pg) with 51 Total

– Finished 2nd in Region Track 800M – Competed in state finals 800M

– Tumors return again – Right arm and Right legs started to lose strength and functionality…again.

– Officially retired from Basketball and his passion of running.  Just wasn’t going to happen anymore.   

– Radiation regimen at the Huntsman Institute to hopefully slow growth

– Major surgery  #4 – Tumor had grown into other areas.  Removal would force non-reversible damage to right arm and leg.  No other option

– Elected GVHS Student Body Vice President 

– CHEMO regimen for tumor maintenance

– Graduated from High School

– CHEMO regimen continued

– Attended Snow College with a walker and cane

– Tumor invaded spinal cord and brain

– Wheelchair bound – no more legs or right arm or left arm or anything functioning 

– Terminal diagnosis given

– JOURNEY COMPLETE – MAY 10, 2021

It seems rather trivial and shallow to place Jackson’s life into a chronological list of bullet points.  However, each bullet point was filled with amazing experiences – in private, in a hospital room, at home with family and friends, at school, at visiting schools, at chemo / radiation treatments, even at Phog Allen Fieldhouse in Kansas.  We met some of the most amazing – lifelong friends during his journey.  In particular, we met two special friends in the hospital, who were facing their own major health challenges – Hayden (leukemia ) and Beau (brain injury/trauma).  Both were in our home the night before Slim passed away.  They were both there to share a collective special bond, as all 3 had to come face to face with the reality of leaving this earth way too soon.  Without asking and just observing it appeared as if Slim had been a source of strength, leadership and courage for them.  Both are now doing fantastic and loving life.  Each time we see them it is as if we are a little bit closer to our son.  

Thank you for taking the time learn about our son.