My Brother, The Hero

Getting to know Lance Jors through his brother Luke

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Luke Jors, Special to the LampPost

Some people have heroes that they watch on television or whose music they listen to. This hero isn’t anyone like that. In fact, this hero may seem like an ordinary 14 year old boy, with brown hair, blue eyes, and just shy of 5- feet, 9-inches tall.

 You see, my hero is my younger brother.

Lance was born with Hypoplastic right heart syndrome. The doctors didn’t have the official diagnosis until he was around three months old and a patient at the Children’s Hospital in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit.

 After many nights in the hospital and many failed treatments and surgeries, it was clear to the transplant team that he would need a new heart. He was listed on the transplant list March 6, 2011. Lance received his new heart March 10, 2011.

Lance doesn’t remember leaving the hospital , but remembers hearing how strange it was for his mom and him to leave the hospital after months. On one hand they’re beyond excited to be going home, but also anxious about not having that 24-hour care and support.

 The staff at Children’s played a pivotal role in the ability to keep well-balanced both during, and after, their prolonged stay. They are so grateful for their seemingly endless expertise, kindness and support.

When Lance finally did get home, he had some extra medical equipment, but nothing that his family couldn’t handle. Afterall, his mom was a registered nurse who left the Children’s Hospital Emergency Department months before Lance was born. Lance was weaned off oxygen and only taking one1 immunosuppressant medication twice a day. Lance was given a transplant coordinator and she has been with him and our family since day one.

“I used to be embarrassed of my scar in the center of my chest, but now I am proud,” Lance says as he lifts up his shirt. “This scar is who I am and who I am meant to be. Without it, I wouldn’t be here sitting and talking to my brother.”

 The transplant that Lance received has allowed him to ride a plane, celebrate Christmas, attend school, vacation with family, and play with friends. His family understands that each milestone he has achieved is because of the gift of a heart that beats inside him, and that he now lives each day for two.

Lance has dreams and aspirations just like any other 14 year old boy. He started Holy Family High School this year as a Freshman, though is learning remotely. “We still don’t know much about the long term effects of Covid-19, so for me to be safe and healthy, I am learning online. It’s not all that bad. I miss my friends and I actually miss sitting in lectures, as weird as that may sound. I’m hanging in there and hope to be back in January.”

Lance wants to go to college, The University of Kansas, like his mom, and become a Videogame Designer. He has a bucket list, including trips to Ireland, London, Australia, and Canada. He loves baseball and his favorite player is David Ortiz, who played for the Boston Red Sox. He enjoys the Broncos and at one time, was even a New England Patriots fan! He has his good days and bad days and still wonders why he was the one who got sick. 

I promise that he will amaze you.

 He amazes me every single day.

 He’s my brother and is the strongest and bravest person I know. Just because this hero doesn’t wear a cape, it doesn’t make him any less of a superman. This hero shows traits common to heroes: compassion, responsibility, determination, and courage. I appreciate every day I have with Lance, and he definitely has made a huge impact on anyone who’s met him.  Without the gift of organ donation, and access to the best medical care, Lance would not be here today.