“It just kept getting bigger and bigger, but I was too embarrassed to tell my mom.” These words haunt us. Because of 14-year-old Jaimeson’s embarrassment about the increasing pain and swelling in his testicle, by the time he was finally diagnosed with testicular cancer his disease had reached Stage IV. Despite his poor prognosis for recovery, Jaimeson’s cancer went into remission after aggressive treatment. Tragically, after 4 ½ years, it recurred, and he died in 2010 at age 20.
Testicular cancer is the #1 cancer in men ages 15-44, and it is 95% curable when caught early. Unfortunately, due to the unique constellation of factors inherent in this young men’s disease – the feeling of invincibility, the lack of desire to see a doctor, and probably the biggest one: embarrassment – over 300 men every year die of this highly-curable disease. Perhaps not-shockingly, half of all men with testicular cancer do not seek medical care until the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Our mission is to stop that.
The Jaimeson Jones Memorial Scholarship has two missions, both inspired by Jaimeson. First, we teach the signs and symptoms of testicular cancer every single time we have the opportunity, hoping to save lives by fostering early detection of this disease. Truly, Jaimeson died of embarrassment.
Second, we provide scholarships to local families who have suffered through childhood cancer. Specifically, we award funds to graduating high school students who have had sibling with cancer. Jaimeson bequeathed his college savings to his two younger sisters, because he understood the financial devastation that his two bouts with the illness had caused his family.
In 2017, JJMS awarded three renewable college scholarships to local students who have a sibling with cancer. [Thankfully, all three siblings are doing well.] For these families alone, we have made a $40,000 commitment. We are committed to awarding at least one such scholarship every year. Additionally, we provide educational materials about testicular self-checks, risk factors and other facts about testicular cancer.
We fund our work with our annual March fundraiser (the Family Jewels 5KTM), employee giving and employee matching programs, sponsorships, and donations.
How You Can Help
Register now for the March 10, 2018
Family Jewels 5K
www.FamilyJewels5K.org
