Support Coach Trina's Battle Against Leukemia

My name is Trina Jackson, but to my cherished students and their

loving families, I am affectionately known as Coach Trina! I am a

fiercely passionate and dedicated Chess Coach, guiding the bright

minds of K-12 students who fill my heart with joy, even on the darkest

of days. It’s a true honor to work with an incredible chess company

right here in Georgia, where every moment spent teaching brings warmth

and excitement into my life.

For twelve amazing years, I was a devoted full-time caregiver for my beloved

granny, who would have celebrated her glorious 93rd birthday this

year. She was my stunning little lady, bursting with life and spirited

energy, playfully insisting she turned 25 every single year when I'd

ask her age. The ache of her absence is an unending heartache that

washes over me every day, leaving a void that can never be filled

since she left this world a little over a year ago.

Then came that fateful day in July 2021, turning my world upside down.

I walked into my doctor’s office for what I thought was a routine

mammogram, a procedure I took seriously, particularly after witnessing

my granny's brave battle against breast cancer years ago. My heart

initially soared with relief as I received the clear results, but that

relief swiftly transformed into a storm of anxiety when the nurse

called with unsettling news—she needed to refer me to a Hematologist

based on my lab results. My stomach twisted in knots as frantic

prayers poured from my heart, hoping against hope that this wouldn’t

lead to something life-threatening; after all, I had been so fortunate

with my health, aside for the exhaustion of caring for my granny.

But then the moment that plunged my soul into despair came. The sun

outside seemed to dim as my new Hematologist placed a pamphlet in my

trembling hands, uttering words that shattered my reality: I had

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (PH+ CML). In an instant, my heart sank; a

deluge of fear and sadness swept over me, first for my granny—who

would care for her if I could barely muster the strength to care for

myself?—and then for myself, as I battled the overwhelming weight of

facing this daunting illness. In that agonizing moment, I turned to

prayer, summoning every particle of faith within me as I braced myself

for the first bout of chemotherapy.

Since that day, I have been on a very rocky journey through chemotherapy and its side effects, marked by multiple hospital stays and relentless new health challenges. But deep within me burns an unwavering determination to fight—not just for my own sake, but for my precious students, who light up my life each day with their laughter and brilliance.

Yet, amidst this fierce resolve, the financial burden of my treatment

has become an unbearable weight, often bringing me to tears as I

grapple with the overwhelming costs of care. I have hesitated to reach

out for help, fearful of becoming a burden to my friends and loved

ones, but I am learning that it's okay to lean on my community during

this deeply challenging time.

Just the other day, I found myself deeply moved watching a heartfelt

video of Shaquille O'Neal’s boundless generosity. In that moment, I

whispered a fervent prayer: “Lord, guide me, lead me to the resources

I so desperately seek so that this grueling journey does not leave me

homeless or consumed by the relentless stress of cancer and

treatment.” I strive now to heed that divine whisper inside me,

embracing my faith and acknowledging that I don’t have to shoulder

this burden alone.

I humbly ask for your support to help ease some of the crushing financial pressures I face as I navigate my treatment. Your contributions will go directly towards medical expenses, medications, transportation and essential living costs, allowing me to focus on reclaiming my health and moving towards recovery.

Every donation, no matter the size, will ignite hope and make a

profound impact on my journey. Your kindness will not only help me

through this daunting chapter but will also serve as a powerful

reminder that I am not alone in this fight.

Thank you for considering extending your support to me. Your

compassion means the world and fills my heart with gratitude.

With all my heartfelt appreciation,

Coach Trina

***If, after making your generous donation, you feel inspired to follow along on my journey and stay updated on my progress, I’ve recently created a Caring Bridge page just for that purpose. I’ll do my best to share regular updates as I navigate this path. Please feel free to drop by and leave me a note or share a prayer on my page—I would truly appreciate all the support you can offer during this journey! Together, we can reflect on some of my internal battles that I usually keep private, and it would mean so much to have you by my side.

Here is the link Coach Trina's Caring Bridge Page!