Dr. Goldberg was thrown into the HI world by chance, a perfect storm that brought him and Jackson together. Maybe it was divine intervention.
As many know, Texas Children’s Hospital has been instrumental in diagnosing and treating Jackson’s Hyperinsulinism, but our journey started before we ever landed on their doorstep. It began in Dr. Goldberg’s office… with me, scared and desperate for help.
I had no idea that the new doctor we had to see by default would become the one to help save Jackson’s life.
Dismissed at the ER, Searching for Answers
When Jackson had his first seizure and started acting abnormally, we went to our local ER. The attending dismissed us.
I now know this happens all the time with HI kids. No one looks at a baby and thinks, “I wonder if they are hypoglycemic?”
This doctor made me question myself. He laughed off our concerns and said, “Babies do this all the time when they’re teething. It’s completely normal.” He told us that since we had such a large age gap between kids, it was understandable that we’d overreact.
I regret taking his words to heart.
Because Jackson continued to suffer. His brain continued to suffer.
I became too unsure of myself to seek an immediate second opinion. But after three more days of Jackson’s temperature running cold, zoning out, losing energy, and not crying for food, I couldn’t wait any longer.
Enough was enough.
Meeting Dr. Goldberg
I called our pediatrician’s office for a same-day appointment. She was out. The only option? Dr. Jason Goldberg at UTMB.
I’ll be honest, I was a little disappointed to see someone new. I wasn’t in the mood to deal with an unfamiliar doctor. But I trusted the office, so we took what we could get.
On the drive there, I knew I wasn’t leaving without answers. I couldn’t have another doctor dismiss me. I needed someone to listen.
Dr. Goldberg walked into the exam room and introduced himself.
Before he could say another word, I pounced… looked him dead in the eyes, more desperate than I had ever been, and said:
“Something is wrong with my son. Don’t tell me I’m overreacting. I have common sense, and I am not going to be dismissed. My son needs help.”
I was straightforward and maybe even a little rude.
But he didn’t flinch.
“Okay,” he said. “You know him better than anyone. If you tell me something’s wrong, then something must be wrong. Start from the beginning.”
So I did.
I could see it in his eyes, he knew something wasn’t right. He suspected neurological issues.
Then, he said the words that changed everything:
“Get in your car and head straight to Texas Children’s.”
“If they won’t see him, call me. If I have to keep this office open late and bring in a specialist, I will. Whatever we have to do, we’ll do it. We’ll figure this out.”
I took Jackson and drove straight to TCH.
You know the rest of the story.
When we arrived, Jackson’s blood sugar was 21 and likely moments away from brain damage or worse.
We arrived just in time.
More Than Just a Doctor
Dr. Goldberg continued to follow Jackson’s case through UTMB’s shared system with Texas Children’s.
During our initial three-week stay, he even called us personally just to check in. Not because he had to, but because he cared.
When we were ready for discharge, TCH recommended switching Jackson’s primary care to their system for easier coordination. It made sense.
But we weren’t going anywhere.
Dr. Goldberg helped save Jackson’s life. We were staying with UTMB. We were staying with him.
A Rare Doctor for a Rare Kid
Since then, Dr. Goldberg has:
- Researched Hyperinsulinism and Diazoxide to prepare for Jackson’s care.
- Seamlessly coordinated between UTMB and TCH to ensure the best treatment.
- Never rushed us, no matter how busy he was.
- Always looked at the whole picture, asking questions and researching every possibility.
- Truly cared—about Jackson, about our family, about this journey.
There aren’t many doctors like him.
We could never repay him for what he’s done… for keeping Jackson safe and healthy, or for the sanity he’s given me on the hard days.
Days when I’ve shown up at his office stressed, scared, tired, overwhelmed, or even in tears.
Dr. Goldberg is who you want in charge of your child’s health.
My rare kid has a rare doctor.
We’re pretty lucky.
We have HI hopes 