At just under three years old, Jade’s life—and that of her family—was turned upside down by cancer. What started as frequent vomiting, fatigue, and a minor tremor quickly escalated into a crisis, revealing that their vibrant toddler was facing a challenge no child should have to confront.
In 2013, Jade’s mother, Hayley, was just beginning to heal from her own battle with cancer, finally allowing life to feel somewhat normal again. However, when two-year-old Jade began to withdraw from play, grew weaker, and exhibited concerning neurological signs, Hayley sensed something was amiss. After multiple visits to their family doctor yielded little clarity, she was advised to take Jade to the hospital’s Emergency Department.
The pivotal moment arrived after Jade had an MRI. “I wasn’t suspicious until the MRI was completed and they hurried to give Mark and me the results almost immediately,” Hayley recalls. The diagnosis was heartbreaking: ganglioneuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer. “Disbelief is the only way to describe the feeling. How could this happen to my tiny two-year-old?” she reflects.
Within days, Jade was placed in Intensive Care, preparing for a daunting six-hour brain surgery. Her parents watched in silent dread, hoping their little girl’s bravery would see her through. The surgery was merely the beginning. Jade underwent four rounds of chemotherapy, but after a seizure indicated the tumor had not diminished, her struggle intensified. She faced four additional brain surgeries, three more rounds of chemotherapy, and a stem cell transplant, each phase testing the resilience of a child too young to grasp the enormity of her battle.
“It took Jade over a month to be able to sit up by herself again,” Hayley recalls, describing the arduous recovery that followed each operation. The life-saving treatments left lasting effects. Damage from her fourth surgery meant Jade had to relearn crucial developmental skills, and she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, resulting in permanent weakness on her right side. She also continues to experience speech challenges and requires daily medication to prevent seizures.
Every week, Jade participates in speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physiotherapy, and every six months, she returns to the hospital for an MRI to monitor her brain and spine. “We avoid using the term ‘remission’ because there’s always the fear of cancer returning,” Hayley explains. Even during recovery, the specter of the illness looms, influencing every decision and day of Jade’s life.
Yet, despite the challenges, Jade continues to flourish in ways that inspire admiration. She has started school and seizes every chance to learn and play. Lunchtimes are filled with laughter, races, and games. She loves dance, participating in Physical Culture and Jazz Ballet, and has developed a competitive spirit, challenging anyone willing to race or play with her.
“Every day is a victory,” says Hayley. “Although Jade’s life has been changed by cancer and its treatment, she continues to exhibit bravery, determination, and joy. She’s a little warrior in every sense.”
Jade’s journey exemplifies the strength of children facing life-threatening illnesses and the resilience of families who support them every step of the way. From the frightening early days of diagnosis to the arduous months of treatment, Jade has endured more than most can fathom, yet she continues to smile, laugh, and embrace life with courage.
Her story also highlights the ongoing need for support for childhood cancer survivors. While Jade has triumphed, the long-term effects of treatment—physical, emotional, and educational—demand constant care, therapy, and attention. Her family continues to advocate for her needs, balancing school, therapies, and hospital visits while fostering her growth and independence.
Through it all, Jade remains a vibrant, spirited girl whose life, though forever altered by cancer, is still celebrated. Her progress, laughter, and enthusiasm for life remind us that even in the face of unimaginable challenges, courage, hope, and love can prevail.
