Jenn's Journey

02/04/2026

On World Cancer Day, I remember the hell I endured but I also celebrate the life I get to live. I honor those who are currently on their cancer journey, and I remember with love the family and friends we’ve lost to this disease.
Cancer brought immense heartache, but I am forever grateful for the life I have today—and for the miracle baby who came in the midst of diagnosis and chemotherapy. Brayton is the definition of a miracle. When the odds weren’t in our favor, we survived.
We are alive, and our hope is to bring light to others. God has a purpose, and even when we don’t understand the “why,” we can rest knowing He is in control. 💛

02/21/2025

No EVIDENCE of Disease‼️

2015 to 2025 the years of Stage 4 Rhabdomyosarcoma having any hold on my life, is over. The days of chemo running through my body are now in the past. Radiation burns are healed. Missing out on my boys life because of hospital stays is not a thing anymore. The future is unknown but as we move forward, I pray the Lord uses my journey to help others. Cancer will forever be apart of my life. Its not something that I can just “get over” or forget. Im still working on the things cancer broke. My journey is one full of blessings, friendships and heartaches. This chapter of my life is over, Im cured but my story will continue.

Next oncology appointment 2/24/2026

02/19/2025

When your mom is hopefully getting her last set of scans, you get to skip school. Lol

02/19/2025

February 19th was the day I had been anticipating for almost 10 years. My FINAL set of scans. This day in 2025 is the day, I have been waiting for since the day I was diagnosed in 2015. BUT on February 4, 2025 I sat with my best friend to get her pathology report. Wait! What?! This isnt how February is supposed to be. We made plans to celebrate that cancer is only in the past. How can it be that as I finish my treatment plan, hers is now beginning? We are suppose to be done.
Today will be a day to remember for both Jess and I. February 19th I will see my oncologist in Gainesville, if my scans show no evidence of disease I will finish my treatment plan and finally be considered CANCER FREE. On February 19th my best friend will also see one of my oncologist in Daytona Beach but she will be getting her treatment plan to start her cancer journey.
To many young football players she is Coach Jess , she is my boys NeeNee, Jess is my mom’s other daughter, and to me she is my chosen sister. A friendship that is hard to explain. We are a package deal, similar to a Buy 1 get 1 Free deal. To know me is to know her. She is strong, brave, and a fiesty ginger snap; there is no doubt she will get through this. My heart breaks to know she has to do it. In a second I would do all the chemo and radiation again just so she didn’t have to.
So, today while I should be over the moon excited I struggle to find joy on my journey. Like I said we are package deal so her fight is my fight, once we are both cancer free that’s when the real celebration will happen.

02/19/2025

Thankful to be considered my Doctor’s “starfish”.

01/28/2025

8 years ago seems like a lifetime ago but in a sense feels like yesterday.
8 years, I completed my first year of treatment and thought I was done. Little did we know the celebration of completing treatment was short lived since I relapsed 6 months later.

In 2015 our life forever changed. On February 19, 2025 I will return to Gainesville and have scans for the last time. I will have annual checkups but no more scans. The Doctors think it’s best due to the amount of radiation I’ve had over the past 9 years. It’s definitely bittersweet. Scans have been away of life, in a sense having scans brought me comfort. Now, I won’t have a scan unless I think something is wrong. It’s a very strange concept.

Thank you, FLASHLIGHTS 🔦 for your love and support over the years. 💛

09/21/2024

“Eight years ago, Jennifer Arrington was planning her unborn son’s funeral and her own at the same time....”

I am honored to have been chosen to share a piece of my story. It’s always great to see Foundations bringing awareness to young adults with cancer. I truly owe so much to my medical team from DeLand, Daytona, Jacksonville and Gainesville it truly took a village (and a bunch of praying people) to keep Brayton and I alive. Forever I am grateful 💛

With a grant from the nonprofit Teen Cancer America, the UF Health Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer program will expand.

08/21/2024

We can breathe again 😮‍💨
Thank you for all the Prayers, my FLASHLIGHTS 🔦 never fail me‼️

Now off to coach cheer practice 📣

08/21/2024

12/10/2015 was the day I had my first MRI since then I have no idea the amount of tests or scans I’ve had BUT I know on 12/21/2015 this 1 scan the results of that 1 scan showed I had a rare form of cancer, Rhabdomyosarcoma.
Today 8/21/2024 it is no easier now then it was then. A scan almost 9 years changed my life forever. It only takes 1 scan to change your life.
Today I will smile through the emotions, I will hold tight to my faith, and I will have hope that today will be another step closer to being Cancer Free. 🎗️

06/17/2024

If you would have asked me 10 years ago where I would be today… I never would have imagined I would be an esthetician that is oncology trained but here I am and I love what I do. It’s not only giving facials to cancer warriors, but being able to connect to them as well as their caregivers and children on a level most people can’t. Whether you come see me for a facial, makeup appointment or you just need someone to talk too, I am here.

I will never be able to repay all those who helped us while I was sick but I hope I can “pay it forward” and bring hope to others.

 a

02/21/2024

The official results are in for my PET Scan. I’m still waiting on my Chest CT but NED is my favorite 🤩 way to be‼️