Jackson's Story
"There's no reason to be kind, so be kind for no reason." Jackson Bickler
Our Story
Jackson Bickler was an incredibly kind, inclusive, and outgoing teen whose athleticism was matched only by his ability to make everyone feel seen and valued. He made friends everywhere he went, building meaningful connections with people of all ages, even as a young child.
At 15, just after finishing his freshman year of high school, Jackson was diagnosed with Metastatic Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer. But Jackson never let his diagnosis define him, and neither did his family and friends. He continued to shine his positivity on the community, attending school in person, spending time with friends, and even assisting in coaching the Corona del Sol Soccer team alongside his closest friends while undergoing treatment at Phoenix Children's Hospital.
The sports community, including ASU, GCU, Phoenix Rising, the Arizona Diamondbacks, and the Milwaukee Brewers all embraced Jackson, offering him unforgettable, inclusive experiences that brought joy and strength during his fight.
Jackson's passions didn't stop at the soccer field. He also had a deep love for the culinary world. Local and world-renowned chefs - including Jeff Kraus (Crepe Bar), Adam Alison (Brightside Burgers), Myke Olsen (Myke's Pizza), Robert Irvine, Bobby Flay, Gordon Ramsay, David Chang, and Beau Macmillan - along with beloved restaurants like Taco Guild, The Salted Knot, Lou Malnati's, and Zuzu at the Valley Ho all welcomed Jackson into their kitchens, giving him once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to cook, learn, and connect.
Throughout his journey, Jackson often spoke about wanting to support teenagers in the clinic at Phoenix Children's Hospital - kids who, like him, were navigating treatment while trying to hold on to the experiences that make life rich and meaningful.
The Jackson Bickler Foundation was created to honor that wish. We are committed to offering similar opportunities and support to children and their families facing the unthinkable. Through inclusive sports clinics, culinary experiences, local adventures, and special moments at Phoenix Children's Hospital, we carry forward Jackson's legacy by spreading kindness, creating joy, and building community, just as he did every day of his life.