Who is Jamie Cocke?
News Flash! -- We are pleased to announce that Jamie Cocke underwent a successful multi-organ transplant in May 2005. Jamie has been waiting 18 years for this operation, and so far is recovering nicely. More than 100 units of blood were used in the transplant operation and subsequent procedures.
In gratitude for all the help Jamie has received so far, St. Matthew's held a special blood drive at the parish in June 2005. If you give blood elsewhere, you can tell the Virginia Blood Service to credit it to Fund 6191 and it will go to the St. Matthew's account. Jamie has a long way to go towards recovery, and medical expenses remain very high. He and his family express their sincere gratitude to God and to the members of St. Matthew's and our community for their tireless love and support.
Jamie Cocke is the 20 year old son of Jim and Janet Cocke. Jamie has two sisters, Beverly, 27, and Wendy, 25. Jim is a 33 year employee of the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Cockes are active members of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church of Richmond, Virginia.
Jamie's Medical Condition
When Jamie was almost three years old, he became very ill with a virus that attacked and destroyed his intestines. He was hospitalized for eight months (three of which were spent in intensive care) and had numerous abdominal surgeries.Because of the loss of most of his small and large intestines he must receive all of his nutritional needs through intravenous feedings. Jamie is hooked up to his IV feedings nightly for nearly twelve hours. Jamie receives all of his nutrition through a Hickman catheter located in his chest; he has a jejunostomy for which he wears an ostomy appliance (this allows him to eat foods which are then emptied from his stomach into the appliance). Any foods that Jamie does eat are strictly for pleasure and taste -- they serve no nutritional value.
Long term use of Total Parenteral Care (IV feedings) causes liver damage and eventual failure. So Jamie's hope for long term survival depends upon restoring his normal ability to eat and absorb nourishment through an intestinal transplant to be scheduled at the time his liver function or condition becomes problematic.
Jamie was evaluated at Children's Hospital at the University of Pittsburgh in April of 1993 at the recommendation of his gastroenterologist at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond. He was considered to be a good candidate for an intestinal transplant and placed on the "inactive" list.
As of this writing (March 2003) Jamie is in relatively good health and has acceptable liver function and is not in immediate need of surgery. As long as his condition remains stable and his quality of life is good, the transplant will be sometime in the future. The need for the transplant, however, is inevitable.
The Financial Need
Right now the Cocke's insurance company considers the type of surgery that Jamie will eventually require "experimental" and will not cover the cost. At the time of his evaluation in 1993 the hospital staff indicated they would require $250,000 in order to grant financial clearance for the procedure.At the suggestion of the financial advisors at the hospital, the Cockes have been encouraged to plan financially for the future surgery. As a result, the Vestry of St. Matthew's Church authorized the creation of "The Jamie Cocke Fund." As of this date, just over $140,000 has been raised, thanks to the generous support from many wonderful contributors.
How the Fund Works
The stated purpose of this fund is to receive donations on behalf of Jamie to help meet the financial needs related to the transplant.The Fund is controlled by the Vestry of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church. The Fund was established by a Resolution of the Vestry dated November 8, 1993. The Vestry established Mr. Malcolm Kerley as treasurer of the fund and Mrs. Jean Ray as the assistant treasurer. The Fund is designated for Jamie's direct medical expenses and for family expenses directly related to the transplant. The Fund is audited annually.
Should Jamie no longer need the funds, it is stipulated that the money will be used for other children with similar needs, or for related research, at the discretion of St. Matthew's Vestry.
St. Matthew's is licensed as a nonprofit corporation in the Commonwealth of Virginia and your gift to the Jamie Cocke Fund is tax deductible. Please consult with your tax advisor.
School and Activities
Jamie is a student at Douglas Freeman High School. He likes to read and enjoys TV; he has a great time with Playstation and Nintendo games. Ask him about Formula I and Winston Cup race drivers -- he knows about many of them. Jamie is very familiar with many race circuits and has some favorite racetracks. One of his favorite books is "Grand Prix Circuits." Jamie also enjoys Major League baseball and has some favorite ballparks that he'd love to visit someday. Another activity that Jamie and his dad enjoy is attending various train shows. They have a Lionel train set and an HO train set that offers hours of fun at home. Jamie also enjoys going on camping trips with his family. Fortunately, Jamie's IV pumps are portable so that allows some flexibility and, of course, go with him wherever he goes.Jamie's hope to live a normal life is to have this transplant. This is something for which Jamie's mom, dad, sisters and many others pray. All Jamie's family and friends thank you for helping to make this miracle a reality through your prayers and gifts.
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| I would like to pledge $________________ which I will pay by: | ||
| I am making this contribution on behalf of (name and
address):
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| I am making this contribution in memory of:
(name and address of nearest relative for acknowledgement): |
Please make check payable to "St. Matthew's Church - The Jamie Cocke Fund" and mail to St. Matthew's Church, 1101 Forest Avenue, Richmond, VA 23229. Please detach this form and include it with your tax-deductible gift.
March 2003