Meet Jakai – Rhabdomyosarcoma Warrior
Denise shared, “The National Children’s Cancer Society has taken a lot of weight off of me and my family by helping tackle financial burdens and helping us along the way through our difficult journey. I just want to say thank you so much for being here for me and my family during this hard time.”
At just 2 years old, Jakai has already shown what it means to be a true fighter. The second youngest of seven children, he was a happy and healthy baby. But just before his first birthday, his mother, Denise, noticed something concerning—a hard bump near his eye. At first, she thought he might have gotten it while roughhousing with his brothers, but her instincts told her something wasn’t right. As a mother of seven, she knew when to trust her gut.
Out of precaution, she scheduled an appointment with their pediatrician. After an ultrasound, the doctor referred Jakai to a dermatologist at the children’s hospital over an hour away for further evaluation. There, more tests were conducted to learn more about the mass. Jakai and his mother went home to await results.
On Christmas Eve, Denise received a call that would change their lives—the mass may be cancerous, and Jakai needed a biopsy immediately. What she thought would be a quick procedure turned into something much more serious. “I was under the impression we would be in and out. I had brought my kids with me because I thought we were coming back the same day. Due to further complications and Jakai’s tumor growing bigger, I was told my kids couldn’t be in the hospital room and the situation was far more serious and severe,” shared Denise.
More specialists were called in—oncology, ophthalmology, and ENT. A series of imaging tests, including an MRI, CT scan, and X-ray, confirmed Denise’s worst fears: Jakai had cancer. He was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer that develops in muscle tissue.
By January 1st, Jakai underwent surgery to have a port placed, preparing him for chemotherapy. However, complications quickly arose. An infection from the biopsy, combined with a persistent fever, led to a week-long hospital stay before he could even begin his treatment plan of chemotherapy followed by radiation.
For Denise, the diagnosis was overwhelming. As a single mother with no other family support, she had to remain strong for her children. Her eldest daughter, just 17 at the time, stepped up in an incredible way—helping to care for her younger siblings so Denise could focus on Jakai’s treatment.
As chemotherapy began, the tumor started to shrink—an encouraging sign! But the treatment came with its own challenges. Jakai endured severe pain, and doctors struggled to find medication that could relieve it. Still, his siblings remained a constant source of love and encouragement, adjusting to their family’s new reality with strength and resilience.
How We Helped
During this incredibly difficult time, The National Children’s Cancer Society (NCCS) stepped in to provide critical support. Through the Transportation Assistance Fund and Emergency Assistance Fund, the NCCS helped ease the financial burdens that came with Jakai’s treatment.
Denise shared, “The hospital did help by referring me to The National Children’s Cancer Society, who made us feel a sense of love and appreciation while in the hospital and along our journey. The National Children’s Cancer Society has taken a lot of weight off of me and my family by helping tackle financial burdens and helping us along the way through our difficult journey. I just want to say thank you so much for being here for me and my family during this hard time.”
Denise also found comfort in The Other Side of the Mountain: A Parent’s Guide to Surviving Childhood Cancer, a free resource from the NCCS designed to support parents navigating a childhood cancer diagnosis.
Jakai continues to fight with strength, resilience, and the unwavering love of his family. Jakai’s journey has just begun, but with the support of the NCCS and the generosity of those who stand beside him, he will never fight alone.