What it means to fight Osteosarcoma
One Compass to Care family truly knows what it means to cross immense distances to fight cancer. Compass to Care kid Jayden battles Osteosarcoma at Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City. For each appointment, he journeys from his dad’s house in Montana to receive vital chemotherapy. At the same time, his devoted mom Jessica flies all the way from her home in San Antonio, TX 1300 miles away to provide Jayden with the support he needs to take on Osteosarcoma. The story of Jayden’s family is one that highlights when travel is funded, families are able to fight cancer together. Together, they have a real chance to win.
Interview with a Compass to Care mom
How old is Jayden?
Jayden is 16, turning 17 in March.
What is your favorite thing about Jayden’s personality?
I love his sense of humor, and how he is kind to everyone even when he doesn’t feel like it.
How did you find out Jayden had cancer?
Jayden started limping and we assumed he had an injury from football. He was sent to get an MRI, and we were blindsided to learn that he had a massive osteosarcoma tumor in his pelvis, sacrum, and spine.
What is the hardest part about traveling to treatment?
For us, the hardest part is being away from from family. For weeks at a time, we may not see them, and Jayden has a 2 year old sister who has spent months at the Ronald McDonald house, inside hospitals, or away from Jayden, mom, or dad.
Has anything changed due to Covid-19?
Covid has made traveling even more difficult because our family members can no longer travel with us to visit Jayden, play games, and give us a welcome distraction from hospital life. In addition, we often have to travel MORE because we are required to arrive 2 days early for a Covid test each time Jayden has a surgery or goes for a doctor visit.
Has Compass to Care had an impact on your treatment journey?
Compass to Care has provided assistance for lodging and a rental car during numerous hospital stays for Jayden’s treatments. Prior to learning about Compass to Care, all travel expenses had been going onto our credit card which was quickly reaching it’s limit. Since receiving assistance, we have been able to start paying down on our credit card.
What would you say to our donors, if you had the chance?
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generosity during such a difficult time. You have truly made a difference in our lives, and we are so grateful to you!
What advice would you give to other parents whose child was just diagnosed with cancer?
When you begin to feel overwhelmed, take things one day, one hour, even one minute at a time. It’s hard to imagine how you will make it through all the things you have to do, so just focus on what you need to do right now. “You were strong enough to get this far, you are strong enough to keep going.”
Thank you, Jessica, for sharing your journey with us! Click here to find out how you can help more kids like Jayden.