Meet Ja’Ziyah – Sarcoma Warrior
“This unforeseen diagnosis has rearranged our lives in many ways, especially financially. Your support has ensured Ja’Ziyah can attend every appointment, no matter how far. Thank you for your willingness to care for others during this challenging time.”
Ja’Ziyah’s Journey
When Ja’Ziyah’s mom, Lynette, first noticed her daughter had swollen lymph nodes, she thought it was something as simple as a cold or a sore throat. Like any attentive parent, she took Ja’Ziyah to the doctor just to be safe. What started as a precautionary visit turned their world upside down. Tests revealed tumors, and Ja’Ziyah was diagnosed with synovial sarcoma in 2022.
At only 9 years old, Ja’Ziyah’s life took a dramatic turn. She began an aggressive treatment plan that included chemotherapy and six weeks of daily radiation. Her resiliency shone brightly, even as she faced the toughest of days and the visible signs of treatment, like losing her hair. “She knows her beauty and strength are so much more than what’s on the outside,” her mom shares proudly.
Despite the challenges, Ja’Ziyah’s tumors responded well, and the treatments were able to shrink them. The highlight of her journey came when she rang the bell, celebrating the end of treatment—a moment filled with hope and joy for her family.
But life had another challenge in store for Ja’Ziyah and her family. In February of 2024, Ja’Ziyah’s family received the devastating news that her cancer had returned. “We’re taking things step by step,” her mom says. “We’re just waiting to see how she responds to chemo.” Despite the setback, Ja’Ziyah is doing well with the new treatment plan, showing the same resilience and strength that have defined her journey from the start.
“It’s not easy,” Lynette admits. “Seeing Ja’Ziyah in pain causes me pain. There are days when we’re fine, and then there are moments that hit so hard.”
Balancing the demands of intense treatment is difficult for Lynette, who also cares for Ja’Ziyah’s two siblings – an older sister who has stepped into a supportive role and a younger brother who is learning to navigate this new reality with love and care.
How We Helped
During some of their most challenging moments, The National Children’s Cancer Society (NCCS) became a symbol of hope for Ja’Ziyah’s family. Through financial support for transportation and household expenses, the NCCS ensures that Ja’Ziyah can attend her treatments, no matter how frequent or far they may be.
“To the entire NCCS organization, your impact for families like ours is deeply appreciated,” Lynette shares. “This unforeseen diagnosis has rearranged our lives in many ways, especially financially. Your support has ensured Ja’Ziyah can attend every appointment, no matter how far. Thank you for your willingness to care for others during this challenging time.”
Though the journey is far from over, Ja’Ziyah’s bravery and determination continue to inspire everyone around her. She’s facing each day with hope, supported by her loving family and the compassionate care of NCCS and her tight-knit community. Her story is a powerful reminder of the strength it takes to fight childhood cancer—and the importance of standing together, as family and community, to support families on this difficult path.