Hi everyone,

My name is Kym, and I’m organizing this fundraiser on behalf of my best friend, Sam, and her incredible little boy, Jayce.

Earlier this year, Jayce was diagnosed with a very uncommon form of salivary gland cancer called mucoepidermoid carcinoma. This type of cancer is extremely rare in children — making up less than 1% of all childhood cancers — and almost unheard of in toddlers. At first, doctors believed it was just a harmless cyst, but after testing and surgery, they learned it was cancer — something no one ever imagined they’d be facing. Because of that, what was supposed to be one surgery has now become two.

Jayce is in the care of an amazing team of specialists at Mayo Clinic, including one of the top surgeons in the country for this type of cancer. His next surgery is scheduled for October 27th, 2025, and it will be a delicate and complex procedure. Doctors will need to remove the tumor while sacrificing the facial nerve on one side of his face to ensure all cancer is safely taken out. To help restore movement, the surgeon will then take a nerve from Jayce’s leg and graft it into his face, repairing it to the best of his ability to minimize any lifelong facial deformities. Even though it’s a heartbreaking reality, Jayce is surrounded by some of the best hands and hearts in medicine, and we’re staying very hopeful about his recovery and long-term outcome.

Through it all, Sam has never left his side. She’s a single mom doing everything she can to give Jayce the comfort, care, and stability he deserves, especially after the heartbreaking loss of his dad earlier this year. She even made the difficult decision to pause her college program so she could focus entirely on Jayce and his medical needs. This upcoming surgery will require Sam to be out of work for two weeks without pay, and depending on what doctors find afterward, Jayce may need up to seven weeks of radiation — which could mean even more time away from work.

This fundraiser is to help cover rent, bills, and basic living expenses so Sam can continue being with Jayce through surgery, recovery, and whatever comes next — without the added stress of worrying how to keep things afloat at home.

Jayce is such a light. Even after everything he’s endured, he still laughs, plays, and fills every room with joy.

If you’re able to donate, share, or even just keep Jayce and Sam in your prayers, it would mean the world to their family. Every bit of support — in any form — helps lift them up during this incredibly difficult time.

Thanks for the love and support,

Kym