Baby Jack celebrates first birthday after spending first six months of his life fighting for his life
ROBINSON, Texas (KWTX) - A young boy who fought to live for the first six months of his life in a Fort Worth hospital is celebrating a huge milestone Wednesday turning 1-year-old.
Jack McFarland, of Robinson, was born with a combination of critical congenital heart defects which left him fighting for his life.
Having a first birthday is something his parents, Brittany and Hunter, say they’ll never take for granted.
“Don’t’ mind me, just documenting every single second of Jack’s 1st birthday. Bed head, birthday muffins and presents before school and work," Brittany posted alongside adorable pictures of Jack sitting up and smiling on Wednesday.
The pictures included Jack opening presents and eating cake. His proud big brother, Ryder, was pictured celebrating with him.
Jack was born November 19, 2024, at Baylor Scott & White in Waco in what seemed like a healthy delivery.
“His delivery went smoothly, and he appeared absolutely perfect --pink, alert and seemingly healthy,” Brittany said. “We were soaking in those first precious moments, completely unaware of what was to come.”
During a routine vital check, nurses determined Jack was in great danger.
He was rushed to the NICU as the parents later received the crushing news that Jack needed to be flown to a Forth Worth hospital that specialized in treating complex heart conditions.
“We were in shock, desperate for answers and utterly heartbroken,” Brittany said.
Jack would spend the next nearly six months at Cook Children’s Medical Center fighting to live.
On May 16, just three days shy of his six-month birthday, Jack went home for the first time.
Robinson’s Volunteer Fire Department gave the family an escort where friends and family greeted them as they pulled into their neighborhood.
“It was a reminder of who has had our backs since the beginning of all this,” Brittany said.
Brittany said as Jack celebrates his birthday, the family is also celebrating Jack’s progress.
He’s weaned off three medications and is being evaluated this week for discharge from physical therapy, something happening much sooner than expected.
He’s also close to walking and he’s talking plenty.
“He is saying Mama, Dada, Bubba, hi, hey, bye, ball and pup,” his proud mom said.
The McFarland’s say this will definitely be a birthday they’ll celebrate like never before.
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