After 8 birth defects and 4 dozen surgeries, 3-year-old Jack Timperley was fighting for his life. His blood counts were all dropping, and his bone marrow was failing to produce new blood cells. He’d been born with a rare genetic disease called Fanconi Anemia. Thanks to the heroic act of an unrelated bone marrow donor, Jack was able to undergo bone marrow transplantation. He received chemotherapy and radiation to suppress his immune system, allowing him to be reborn with a new one. He and his family now celebrate his transplant anniversary as his second birthday. Now 22 and recently graduated from college, Jack is on a mission to help other people receive the same miracle gift of life that he received.
Jack’s size is still impacted by his disease. At 4’8 and 55 lbs, he may not look like a typical superhero, but he’s always fighting for life. As his superhero alter-ego, Captain Marrow, Jack will work with non-profit organizations to inspire attendees at upcoming comic conventions to be superheroes by donating bone marrow to save lives. Jack will also serve other nonprofit organizations, businesses, and families. He will also be writing comic books to illustrate his own origin story and empower others to be the captain of their own narratives.
Ironhead Studio, the costume designers behind major Marvel and DC superhero films, and Ribuoli Digital have agreed to design a professional Captain Marrow superhero costume for Jack. He has also started a Kickstarter campaign to launch his business, Captain Marrow LLC. You can find out more at CaptainMarrow.com. Contributions will be rewarded with early-release comic books, apparel, pins, and exclusive packages.
Jack defines a hero as “an ordinary individual who goes above and beyond the call of duty in spite of insurmountable odds – someone who inspires others to be better people.” He is determined not to take his second chance at life for granted and has a strong desire to make a difference in the lives of others. “We don’t have to change the world to help people, but we can help change someone else’s world.” www.kickstarter.com
