Jack Zinkann, 11, wears ultra-violet protective gear while climbing a slide Friday at Big Ridge Elementary. His friend, John Blakely, left, follows close behind as they play during the noon hour.JACK’S WISHThe Make-A-Wish Foundation of East Tennessee is raising money for Jack Zinkann to do something he and his family have dreamed of for years: swim with dolphins.Several years ago the Zinkann family went to Sea World and he was able to feed a dolphin and loved it.The Zinkanns need $7,000 to purchase special swim gear for Jack to protect him from ultraviolet light, and they also need money for the family to travel to the location. All the money donated is tax deductible and will remain local. Amounts raised over $7,000 will be given to another local family in need, the family said.For more information, email Abby Martin at martin_abby@hcde.org.
LEARN MORE ABOUT XPXeroderma pigmentosum affects 1 in 1 million people, experts say. Tammy Zinkann said she knows of only two children with XP in Tennessee. There are estimated to be 200 people nationwide, according to the National Institutes of Health.Symptoms• Blistering or freckling after minimal sun or ultraviolet exposure• Dry, prematurely aged appearance to the skin and lips• Photosensitivity of the eyes (become red and sore when exposed to light)• Early onset of skin cancer in any skin, including the tip of the tongueNeurological complications• Developmental disabilities• High-frequency hearing loss, progressing to deafness• Loss of previously attained abilities such as walking and talkingSource: Xeroderma pigmentosum Family Support Group in California
The halls are quiet at Big Ridge Elementary.
Still, Jack Zinkann studies the stretch he must travel before darting to class to dissect a mouse skeleton.
He stands up to a window covered with special film, and looks onto the parking lot. No one is coming. No one will open the door. It’s safe to pass. So he walks on.