Yammy Bear reflects on disease, treatment

(ABC 6 News) – Rochester community activist Yammy Bear is known for giving back and making people smile.

But the man behind the suit, Charles Jackson is battling Amyloidosis and is currently getting treatment at Mayo Clinic.

This is not an easy journey for him. The disease effects the heart, kidneys, liver, and nerves.
Charles Jackson was diagnosed back in June.

He put his medical care on hold to go to Uvalde to take care of kids and families affected by the school shooting at Robb Elementary School.

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Since coming home, he’s been making his health a priority.

“You matter because we care, continue to reach your highest potentials. We’re with you. Be patient with us, be patient as I go through this next challenge of my life,” Charles Jackson said.

And Charles has scars from chemotherapy treatment.

It’s working, but Charles says he struggles to find energy day in and day out.

This past weekend, Yammy Bear and Family had planned to attend six events.

But they had to cancel two, because Charles needed to take care of himself.

“A lot of times were going in and visiting people and cheering them up, but now we are the people that need encouragement. We’ve been the people that have needed strength, this year we’ve had to say no to more things than ever before, and that’s challenging, you feel guilty,” CarolAnn Jackson, Charles’s wife said.

CarolAnn and Charles have more events planned, but for the time being, they are making sure to take care of themselves before they can give back to others.