Jagger is a ray of sunshine, always positive and full of life!
He loves talking to people, playing board games, Spiderman universe, Paw Patrol, playing with his brother, and making other people laugh. At the end of February, he turned 5 years old, and last month, walked across the stage with pride to receive his preschool diploma, reaching HUGE milestones and achievements worth celebrating! At just 4 years old, in May of 2022, Jagger was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, (ALL), a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow and is the most common type of cancer in children, accounting for about 30% of all childhood cancers.
Like every cancer diagnosis, Leukemia comes with its own personal boulders to climb. Upon diagnosis, Jagger suffered severe chemical burns from chemotherapy that ultimately placed him in a treatment facility 5 hours away from his home. Although they were being uprooted and transferred, Mom felt they were going to be in good hands. Jagger’s mom is a cancer survivor herself and she knew firsthand the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. When Jagger was diagnosed, she was determined to do everything she could to help him get better. She has stayed by his side throughout his treatment and has never given up hope.
Despite all the trials they have been through such as being a single parent household, commuting 5+ hours for treatment, hair loss, separation from Jagger’s older brother, transportation issues, and intense medical procedures, just to name a few, Jagger’s family remains resilient and tight knit as Jagger is still actively in treatment and fighting like the warrior he is every single day.
To support with the emotional and financial stressors that Jagger’s family has faced, our team has come together to offer internal supports and resources such as a financial grant, gas cards to help with frequent commutes, food cards, and advocating for additional support through community resources.
Keaton’s is honored to love and care for Jagger and his loved ones and are honored to support throughout their journey, every step of the way. Their Family Navigator, Emily, often talks to Jagger on the phone and gets updates on how he is feeling, what new game he has learned, how mom is doing, and how brother is a rockstar at school! Mom shares “To the Keaton’s Family Cancer Crew, Thank you for all of your support during this hard time of life. Emily- you were the angel that saved us when we needed it most”.
Jagger’s story is a reminder that childhood cancer is a serious disease that no family should ever have to experience, but it is also a reminder that there is always hope. With the love and support of family, friends and community, children with cancer can overcome any challenge.
Our team at Keaton’s looks forward to continuing to be a part of Jagger’s journey and offering ongoing support to him and his loving family!