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Alexus

To listen to Lexy and Craig Robinson’s playlist, click here.

Alexus, A.K.A. Lexy is a 20-year-old college sophomore at Howard University, on a full academic scholarship. She is from Orange, NJ. Lexy received the devastating diagnosis of osteosarcoma in July 2020, just before she was to begin her college journey.  Lexy was looking forward to a life of independence, when in a blink of an eye she became totally dependent on her single mom, Linda.  She went through several rounds of aggressive chemotherapy, followed by a 12-hour limb salvaging surgery, which has her dependent on crutches and not yet able to bear weight on her affected leg. She still has a few more rounds of chemo before completing her treatment.

Music is what helped Lexy get through these horrendous months. During hospital admissions, she buried herself under the covers and listened to music. She says it takes her to another place and frees her mind of the current situation. Her favorite artists are Beyoncé, Lil Durk, and King Von.

Camila

To listen to Camila, Hoda, and Jenna’s playlist, click here.

Camila is a creative, sweet 8-year-old girl, who was just 17 months when she was diagnosed with Ependymoma, a type of brain cancer. She is currently in treatment and unfortunately her tumor is currently active. The results from her latest MRI in January are very positive. Two of the cancer spots on her brain are gone; there is one still visible, so Camila needs to continue with chemotherapy, but is inching closer to remission.

When she is not attending school virtually, Camila loves to draw, do crafts and sing.  She was one of the stars of the Jay Fund Virtual Family Talent Show this past August, belting out the song, Tomorrow from the musical Annie.  Her favorite music is pop; her go to songs are Pass Me By byR5 and The Fight Song, by Rachel Platten, and favorite artists are Shawn Mendes, Camila Cabello, and JoJo Siwa.

Camila lives with her family in New Jersey and adores her big brother Carlos.

Jake

To listen to Jake’s family and The Chainsmoker’s playlist, click here.

Jake
Jake was just a few months shy of turning 14-years-old before he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, a blood cancer. Jake passed away at 15-years-old on Easter Sunday morning, April 12, 2020. Jake was supposed to have met the Chainsmokers during the 2020 Championship week for THE PLAYERS when it was announced that the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation would be paying off the Berglund’s mortgage thanks to a generous donation from THE PLAYERS. It was supposed to have been a bright and positive occasion, but sadly, Jake had a quick and sudden relapse and was not able to be part of the event.

From Jake’s obituary:
Jake was born September 24, 2004 in St. Mary’s, Georgia, the son of Mark and Anne Berglund, and brother to older sisters Alison and Gracie.

Jake was not only a leader but he loved to entertain and make people laugh with his quick wit. He was president of his freshman class at Yulee High School, a huddle leader with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and participated with the school’s theater group. He was active in scouting and from the early days as a Cub Scout, he became a Boy Scout and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.

Jake loved all things “Tech”. From helping neighbors set up their Wi-Fi networks to programming remotes at home, it seemed he could do anything with phones, computers or home electronics. His tech savvy ways also evident in his love of being able to DJ. Known as DJ Buzzy Buzz, he was often found putting on a show for birthday parties, school pep rallies and school dances.

In addition to his wit, sometimes peppered with sarcasm, Jake’s huge personality, his love for others, his selflessness and bravery always shined through. Whether helping make difficult decisions through the course of his illness to offering love and support to his family, Jake’s loving and caring spirit led the way throughout his life.

Leon

To listen to Leon and Levine Toilolo’s playlist, click here.

Leon is 16-year-old who loves video gaming with his friends and spending time with his family. He grew up in Brooklyn and is a senior in high school. In October 2019, Leon was diagnosed with osteosarcoma of his left leg. After extensive months of chemotherapy, he was finally cleared for surgery last April to remove the affected bones and joints and received a new knee and partial tibia replacement.

Just when Leon thought things could not get any worse, the pandemic arrived and left him struggling for much needed in person physical therapy sessions. In the year since his surgery, Leon has transitioned from wheelchair, to walker, to crutches and is still receiving physical therapy 3X a week. He is now getting around well on one crutch and credits his mom as his strength.

Leon’s life was on hold for most of 2020, he’ definitely ready to start living again. He can’t wait to go outside and hang out with his friends, instead of talking to them online. Leon mainly listens to rap music, his favorite rapper at the moment is Moxas.

Meleah

To listen to Meleah and Kevin Boothe’s playlist, click here.

Meleah is a super happy yet a bit sassy pre-teen. She is an old soul who seems much wiser than her 11 years. Meleah was diagnosed in September 2020 with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and has handled this diagnosis and treatment with amazing positivity and an optimistic attitude. She has 3 1/2 or 4 months of intensive treatment left including weekly (and sometimes daily) chemo treatments and 4 lumbar punctures under anesthesia.  After her intensive treatments are complete, she will go to oral chemo and monthly doctor visits for another 18 months or so.

Meleah loves hanging with her cat, Buddy; her dog, teacup chihuahua named Lotus; and her bunny named Jazzy. She loves to read, is a Black Belt in Taekwondo, and loves to pick special names for close friends and family (she calls her mom Pastrami!). Meleah loves to listen to Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, Fall Out Boy, Selena Gomez, and Imagine Dragons.

Sa’Nyla

To listen to Sa’Nyla and Jessica McDonald’s playlist, click here.

Shariah

To listen to Shariah and Jill Ellis’ playlist, click here.

Shariah Marsden is 14-years-old and 28 months cancer-free. At the age of 11, Shariah had a massive growth connected to her liver, that was the size of her head. She was immediately admitted into the hospital and required emergency surgery. A week later, at her first follow-up, they received the devastating news that the massive growth removed was cancerous. Shariah had a stage 4, rare childhood cancer called Undifferentiated Embryonal Sarcoma of the Liver. This was the start of her grueling cancer journey, she had to complete months of chemo and radiation that consisted of staying in the hospital consecutively for five days every three weeks, in addition to a month and a half of daily radiation treatment. Though the journey was difficult, Shariah always looks on the bright side, she had an amazing time meeting wonderful nurses and incredible children going through the same challenges she was overcoming.

Shariah is a sophomore honor student in high school.  Her favorite subject is physics. This spring, she is looking forward to joining the high school track team. When she is not virtually attending school, Shariah enjoys cooking, is a voracious reader, and has learned to knit.

Shariah’s favorite artists are Jhene Aiko, J Cole, Solange, J.I., and Nicki Minaj. Her favorite songs are — Weary by Solange, Middle Child by J Cole, Triggered by Jhene Aiko, Need Me by J.I., and Pills and Potions by Nicki Minaj. Her mom, Shareen, would play her the song Zion by Lauryn Hill to let her know she was her joy and world.

Talen

To listen to Talen and Mark Herzlich’s playlist, click here.

Talen was 13 years old when he was diagnosed with 0steosarcoma, a bone cancer. He loved school, especially studying math and science. He was a huge sports fan and loved the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Mark Herzlich and Talen created their playlist via video chat in June 2021 and were able to meet in person when Mark spoke at a Jay Fund Adolescents and Young Adults event a few weeks later.

Talen sadly lost his battle to cancer on August 30, 2021.