‘I have cancer, but cancer doesn’t have me.’

When our son Jayden was diagnosed with a brain tumor at three months old, we knew exactly where to turn. Within days, Jayden began his first round of treatment at the Jimmy Fund Clinic. He endured a demanding 68-week course of chemotherapy. We were terrified, not knowing what the future would bring.

We were young parents, but all the doctors and nurses treated us like family. Dana-Farber has helped raise our son, and helped raise us. Despite the circumstances, our experience with the Jimmy Fund has only been a positive one. Thanks to the Jimmy Fund, Jayden has memories to last a lifetime that include meeting local sports players, attending games, and participating in events like Scooper Bowl and the WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon. As a die-hard, lifelong fan of Boston sports, to see Jayden literally on the field at Fenway is an incredible memory.

We’ve had a lot of challenges, but the Jimmy Fund has helped to alleviate a lot of stresses for our entire family. The Jimmy Fund has extended their care past Jayden, and has provided a wonderful support system for Jayden’s sisters and brother through a program called Super Sibs!

Today, Jayden is a thriving fifth-grader who loves video games and being with his family, especially his three siblings Jasmine, Christian, and Candyce. Jayden lost all vision in his right eye, and is legally blind in his left, but he has learned how to adapt and will not let anything hold him back.

When asked how he feels about everything he has endured, Jayden typically responds without missing a beat, “I have cancer, but cancer doesn’t have me.”

Steve and Sheila Dalton

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