CHAPIN, SC (WOLO) — Following months of an experimental gene therapy treatment, one Midlands student is celebrating his first day back to school.

A few minutes before sunrise on a cold and rainy morning, nine-year-old Jack Timmerman arrives to Lake Murray Elementary School by bus — with police escorts in tow.

Two years ago, he was diagnosed with a terminal illness called Batten disease — often leading to blindness, seizures, and dementia.

But on Tuesday, Jack made his return to fourth grade — greeted by his dad, and fellow classmates.

“You know, Jack faces things everyday that most children will never have to face, and should never have to face,” says Jack’s dad, Ned Timmerman.

Also cheering him on were deputies from the Richland County Sheriff’s Department — because Jack is Chief of

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