A healthy 19-year-old college junior came home in November 2025, the week of Thanksgiving, and was instead diagnosed with a rare, aggressive Stage 4 cancer.

Jaylen Garcia was a healthy, hardworking 19-year-old college student, just beginning his junior year, with his whole future ahead of him.

In November 2025, the week of Thanksgiving, Jaylen returned home from college feeling extremely ill. What his family believed might be a temporary illness quickly became every parent’s worst nightmare.

After extensive testing, Jaylen was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic lung adenocarcinoma with signet ring features, a rare and fast-moving cancer, especially uncommon in someone so young.

Since his diagnosis, Jaylen has already undergone two major surgeries, and his medical team is moving urgently with aggressive treatment to slow the progression of this disease.

What makes this even more heartbreaking is that Jaylen had no prior health issues. He was focused on school, working hard toward his degree, and doing everything right to build a better future.

Jaylen is supported by his mother, a single mom, who has been forced to step away from work to care for him full-time. She is now navigating the unimaginable responsibility of supporting Jaylen through intensive treatment while also caring for four other children at home.

While insurance helps with some medical costs, many critical expenses are not covered, including:

    •    Medical copays and deductibles

    •    Prescription medications and specialized treatments

    •    Transportation to frequent medical and surgical appointments

    •    Lost income due to unpaid time off work

    •    Everyday living expenses for a household of six

How Your Support Helps

Donations will go directly toward Jaylen’s ongoing medical expenses, post-surgical care, treatment-related costs, transportation to appointments, household bills, and basic necessities while his mother remains off work to care for him.

Time is critical, and the financial needs are ongoing as Jaylen continues aggressive treatment.

Message from mom:

“Watching my child fight this at such a young age has been devastating. Every prayer, share, and donation gives us strength to keep going.”

The emotional toll on this family is immeasurable, and the financial strain has added an overwhelming burden during an already heartbreaking time.

We are asking for help so Jaylen’s mother can focus on what matters most right now: being present for her son, supporting his fight, and holding her family together, without the constant fear of financial collapse.

Every donation, no matter the amount, will make a meaningful difference. If you are unable to give, please consider sharing this fundraiser and keeping Jaylen and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

The outpouring of love, prayers, and support has already meant more to this family than words can express.

Thank you for standing with Jaylen.