This morning, well after midnight, as I was preparing to go to bed, I couldn’t shake the thought of Jaxen, a 10-year-old boy from Pinson, Alabama, who has been facing an unimaginable battle with adrenal gland cancer. I hadn’t checked in on him for a few days, so despite the late hour, I decided to reach out to his mother, Randa McCall. Little did I know, this simple act would connect me to a family enduring one of the hardest moments of their lives.
Jaxen, who is Autistic and non-verbal, has shown incredible courage as he fights against his battle with cancer. Throughout this journey, he has endured numerous challenges, many of which no child should have to face.
Despite missing some of his medical appointments, Jaxen has been a fighter, making the journey to Children’s of Alabama whenever he could. His family, however, is not without its struggles. Their car is broken down, and they live in public housing. Despite all of these challenges, Randa has been a rock for her family, doing her best to keep things together.
In her message to me this morning, Randa shared that she was sitting beside Jaxen at Children’s of Alabama, watching him endure unimaginable pain. He cried and moaned while awake, and the medical team had to sedate him in an effort to give him some rest. The physical toll that cancer has taken on Jaxen is heart-wrenching.
“The cancer tumors are literally trying to push out on Jaxen’s body,” Randa said, her words heavy with the weight of the situation. These tumors stretch from his eyes to his head to his groin. Seeing her son like this, unable to take away his suffering, has been one of the hardest experiences for Randa and for Jaxen’s siblings.
The emotional toll is undeniable. “Seeing him like this is killing me and his siblings,” Randa shared. The words came from a place of deep pain, and they spoke to the kind of anguish only a mother could feel. Jaxen, despite all that he is facing, is fighting hard, showing resilience in ways most of us can’t fathom. Yet, Randa’s exhaustion is palpable. “I am totally exhausted,” she said in the message, a sentiment that anyone who has cared for a loved one in crisis would understand all too well.
As a parent, it’s hard to even imagine the kind of strength Randa has had to summon. The nights of uncertainty, the hours spent in waiting rooms, and the helplessness that comes with watching a child suffer, all add up. Yet, through it all, Randa’s belief in the power of prayer stands firm. “I just know prayer is very POWERFUL!! And we need lots of it,” she told me, her faith unwavering even in the darkest of times.
In that moment, I was reminded of how important it is to reach out to the people we care about, especially in times of hardship. I am so glad I reached out to Randa, even in the middle of the night. The simple act of checking in, of offering a few words of encouragement and support, felt so small in comparison to the monumental challenges she is facing. But even that small gesture seemed to bring some comfort to her as she navigates through a time of unimaginable stress.
Jaxen’s fight is far from over, but his story is one of immense strength and perseverance. As I read Randa’s words, I felt a renewed sense of awe at the resilience of children like Jaxen. His ability to face each day with courage, despite the pain and uncertainty, is nothing short of heroic. And as difficult as this journey has been for Randa, it is clear that her love for her son, combined with the prayers and support of their community, has made all the difference.
In moments like these, it’s easy to feel helpless. Watching a loved one endure so much pain, and not being able to do much about it, can leave us feeling powerless. But what Randa and Jaxen’s story teaches us is the importance of faith, love, and community. Sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is offer a prayer, send a message of encouragement, or simply sit beside someone in their moment of need. These acts of support can make all the difference in the world.
Despite the uncertainty, despite the fear, Jaxen and his family continue to fight. They are not alone in this battle. They are surrounded by the prayers and love of so many people who are rooting for Jaxen’s recovery. And while there are still many unknowns ahead, one thing is certain: Jaxen’s journey is far from over, and his strength will continue to inspire those around him.
As Jaxen faces the next steps in his treatment, let’s continue to lift him up in our thoughts and prayers. His journey is a reminder that, no matter how dark things may seem, there is always hope. Jaxen and his family are living proof of the power of resilience, love, and faith. And through our collective support, we can help them find the strength to face whatever challenges lie ahead.
Please continue to pray for Jaxen and his family, and know that your words of encouragement are making a difference in their lives. Let’s be there for them as they continue to fight with all their might, step by step. And may we all find the strength to support them through this difficult time.
