Jaisyn was a fun and loving yet very stubborn 13-year-old when he was diagnosed with a highly aggressive and fast-growing form of brain cancer known as DIPG. He was musically inclined and athletic, playing football, baseball, and the trombone. He loved singing and would always sing himself to sleep or while in the shower. He was an avid gamer who played Fortnite a lot. He loved playing in the backyard with his dog, Sampson, and playfully harassing his sisters, who he loved very much. His older sister was his best friend, and his younger sister was sometimes his frenemy, but despite their arguments, they loved each other deeply.  

A month prior to his diagnosis, Jaisyn began complaining of numbness on the left side of his face and clumsiness. He was also experiencing vision problems and had a routine eye exam, but the doctor found no issues. The week before his diagnosis, he was having terrible headaches and almost fell down the stairs at school, prompting a visit to the doctor. Jaisyn’s doctor scheduled him for an MRI, but two days before his MRI, Jaisyn began vomiting. His mom immediately took him to the emergency room, where after several tests and scans, he was diagnosed with DIPG.

Jaisyn’s cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment were incredibly difficult for him and his family to go through. They each took this horrific experience in their own ways, but they fought together as a family for Jaisyn and with Jaisyn every step of the way. His family will never forget the strong-will that Jaisyn possessed and used to help him through his journey. He took every radiation in stride, underwent biopsy surgery, and was never sedated for his treatments or MRIs. He remained strong and continued cracking jokes.

Jaisyn lost many of his abilities after his diagnosis, including the use of his legs. Once he completed radiation, he once again began playing videos and was even able to play a little baseball in his backyard over the summer. When his family watched Jaisyn walk for the first time after nearly two months, they were filled with pride and joy. Jaisyn continued singing throughout his battle, but he was never able to pick up the trombone again.

Jaisyn fought with bravery and courage for nearly 11 months before passing away on December 12, 2020, at the age of 14. Jaisyn loved life and his family and friends. He wanted nothing more than to live a full life, yet was completely aware of the reality that is DIPG, and in the end, DIPG stole another soul too early.

Funding pediatric brain cancer research means a great deal to families affected by this monster. Treatment options are limited and not effective. They wreak havoc on children’s bodies and diminish their quality of life. Funding research is the only solution to finding more effective treatments and one day a cure.

Thank you for choosing to donate to The Cure Starts Now Foundation. 100% of this donation, after credit card processing fees, goes directly towards research to find the homerun cure for cancer starting with pediatric brain cancer research.

If you would like to make a donation by mail please send a check to:  The Cure Starts Now Foundation; 10280 Chester Road; Cincinnati, OH 45215 and put the child's name in the memo.

The family receives notification of all donations made to this tribute fund automatically.