Celebrating Jack’s meaningful year as 2025 Champion Child

From flying flags to fishing, Jack inspired donors to give to Manitoba’s only children’s hospital

Winnipeg, MB (February 5, 2026) – Jack Johnson made a lasting impact and inspired supporters as Manitoba’s Champion Child in 2025. The Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba is celebrating his meaningful year as he represented over 140,000 children cared for at HSC Children’s Hospital every year.

Jack is a bright and determined child who loves collecting flags, flying kites and fishing. Born at just 26 weeks alongside his twin brother Jori, Jack faced heartbreaking challenges from the start. Tragically, Jori passed after six days.

Jack was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a dangerous buildup of fluid in his brain. Before his first birthday, Jack needed seven lifesaving surgeries at HSC Children’s Hospital. As a result of his condition, Jack now lives with cerebral palsy, requiring mobility aids like walkers and canes. Despite these challenges, Jack’s resilience shines.

In 2025, Jack stepped into his role as the Champion Child with courage. His confidence grew unimaginably over the past year and his story opened hearts across the province, reminding everyone that kids who need Manitoba’s only children’s hospital are never alone on their journey.

One of the highlights of the year was representing HSC Children’s with other Champions from across Canada and the U.S. at Children’s Hospitals Week in Orlando, Florida. Jack also stood up for kids who need HSC Children’s at the Winnipeg Police Association gala and Hyundai Hope on Wheels.

Beyond Jack and his family speaking at over 40 events, Jack had some unique experiences in his Champion year including handing out his own trading flag, raising his flag at Winnipeg City Hall for National Child Day and exploring the flags at the Manitoba Legislative Building with Premier Wab Kinew. The Premier also helped Jack put out a challenge to actor and retired wrestler John Cena to visit Winnipeg and make a difference kids like Jack.

Being a Champion Child means that Jack and his parents joined a group of ambassadors from across North America that support their local children’s hospitals, and the research needed to help kids like Jack and improve the health of children and youth in Manitoba and beyond.

Jack’s parents Samantha and Jason understand that child health research translates to care at the children’s hospital that helped their son survive and thrive. The research at Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba is important because the advances made there allow children like Jack to explore the world in ways that wouldn’t be possible otherwise.

“The research is important for children like Jack because the advances in treatment and medication provides the ability for children like Jack to survive,” says Jason. “Then, the specialists at the hospital have that knowledge. Their expertise really helps us stay informed and calm because we know the best people are taking care of the situation.”

“For our family, this year was about hope, friendship and celebrating Jack for exactly who he is. We are so grateful for Jack’s year as Champion Child,” says Samantha. “It has been an incredible experience, and we’ll cherish these moments for our lifetimes.”

Jack inspired countless donors, including Ken Talbot, who took Jack fishing at Lake of the Woods.

“Jack is such an amazing kid,” says Ken. “He is so full of energy and his enthusiasm reminds me why it’s important to give to the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba.”

As Champion Jack also held his own fundraiser and has presented a cheque of $8,310 to support leading-edge research into childhood illness at Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba. 

Watch Jack’s story at goodbear.ca/Jack.