Jackson Allard’s devastating plea before life support echoes dangers of vaping

The harrowing story of 22-year-old Jackson Allard from North Dakota, who faced a one percent chance of survival after developing severe health issues due to vaping, has taken a tragic turn. His final words, spoken before being placed on life support, shed light on the alarming consequences of vaping addiction.

Jackson, rushed to the hospital in October with stomach pains, was initially believed to have fallen ill due to vaping, a habit he picked up as an alternative to smoking. The University of Minnesota Medical Center diagnosed him with Influenza 4 and double pneumonia, leading to the critical decision for a double lung transplant on 1st January.

Facing an uphill battle, Jackson’s condition rapidly deteriorated, prompting doctors to consider a lung transplant as his only lifeline. His three-month-long struggle included a moment where his heart stopped beating.

The family, led by Jackson’s grandmother Doreen Hurlburt and friend Angela Dows, launched a GoFundMe to provide additional support during his recovery and assist with the financial burden on his parents. The fundraiser details Jackson’s health journey and shares the heartbreaking final words he spoke to his family before being intubated.

“I am scared, I don’t want to be alone,” Jackson expressed his fears to his family.

Despite the grim prognosis, Jackson’s family remains steadfast in their hope for his recovery. The post on the GoFundMe page reads, “Someone is always there and will be until he is ready to come home. Because we are holding on strong to hope he will make it home.”

Doreen Hurlburt, expressing her initial fears, said, “I thought for sure we were going to lose him. I thought for sure he’s not going to survive this, but in my mind, I kept picturing him coming home.”

While e-cigarettes are FDA approved in the US, the long-term effects remain unknown, posing a growing concern. Dr. Stephanie Hanson at Stanford emphasized, “Vaping or e-cigarette use is relatively new, so we don’t necessarily know a lot of the long-term effects of vaping and that’s honestly one of the scariest things about it.”

Jackson Allard’s poignant story adds to the ongoing debate surrounding the health risks associated with vaping, urging a closer examination of the potential dangers and consequences.