Help My Brother Beat Colon Cancer and Reclaim His 20s

Our family is creating this page on behalf of my incredible brother, who, at just 26 years old, has been diagnosed with colon cancer—the same disease that took our father from us 16 years ago at the age of 42. Our Christmas this year was spent by Jaylen’s side as he prepared for a major medical procedure: colorectal surgery to remove a sizable mass. It’s hard to put into words how much this diagnosis has shaken our family over the past week, but if there’s one thing we know, it’s that my brother is a fighter.

He’s vibrant, goofy, and full of life—the kind of person who can light up a room with his laughter. At 26, he should be planning road trips with friends, dreaming about his next adventure, and living every moment of his twenties to the fullest. Instead, he’s facing a battle no one his age should have to endure: surgery, endless medical appointments, and treatments— on top of the immense financial burden that comes with them.

We want to make sure that his focus stays on what really matters: getting the best care possible and beating this disease. That’s why we’re asking for your help. Unfortunately, Jaylen does not currently have health insurance; and although we are actively working to obtain insurance, medical bills have already begun piling up. In addition, Jaylen has had to temporarily relocate from Maryland back home to New York to receive the care and support from family that he needs during this time. As a family, we want to do everything we can to ease this burden for him so he can focus on healing and staying positive.

All monetary donations will go towards medical expenses, treatments, and anything else that will help him navigate this difficult journey. More importantly, it will give him the chance to live his life without the constant weight of financial strain.

If you know Jaylen, you know he’s someone who gives his whole heart to the people he loves. Now, we’re hoping to surround him with the same kind of love and support that he so freely gives to others. We also hope that Jaylen’s (and our Dad’s) story brings more awareness to colon cancer. Advocate for yourself and get a colonoscopy: beginning at the age of 45, as often recommended, is just not soon enough.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for reading, sharing, and contributing in any way that you can. Together, we can help my brother not just fight this, but beat it, and give him the chance to reclaim the joy and freedom that every 26-year-old deserves.