SydStrong is blessed to bring smiles to young adults with leukemia. Here are some that have shining SydSmiles thanks to our donors and partners.

JAYCE

Jayce had Acute Myeloid Leukemia with a high-risk mutation.  Jayce was 19 years old while a freshman at the University of Arkansas and was an emergency request for a SydSmile. Jayce’s story is so similar to that of Sydney’s.

Jayce’s Words:

“Hi! My name is Jayce, and I was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in February of 2025 just 3 weeks after my 19th birthday. My diagnosis was also unfortunately accompanied by a high-risk mutation as well as a sub cancer called Myeloid Sarcoma. I went through 3 rounds of hard chemo, got into remission and had a bone marrow transplant in June of 2025. My leukemia unfortunately relapsed just under 60 days post-transplant. I am currently back in and out of the hospital fighting to get my cancer back into remission in hopes of a second transplant. My mutation is known to become chemo resistant, but my team is trying everything they can to make a second transplant happen!

Prior to my diagnosis I was a freshman at University of Arkansas where I was a proud member of the Razorback Marching Band. Performing at SEC football games in front of 70,000 people was the highlight of my life! I was enjoying my first year of college and majoring in Biology, with the hopes of becoming an Anesthesiologist. In February, I came down with the normal cold that everyone had at that time of year. During that time, I also developed a small swollen lymph node on my neck. I went to the on-campus doctor thinking it was just from my cold, but that checkup ended up changing the trajectory of my life. For the past 8 months, I have been in the hospital more than I have been out. The physical and emotional toll it has taken on not only me, but my mom and 11-year-old sister, has been immense. I miss the life I had, my music, my friends, and the simple joys of college. I would love the opportunity to have something to look forward to!”

Jayce was asked what would bring a smile to his face and in his own words, this is what he said.

“My lifelong dream has been to visit Hawaii with my family. I would love to stay in the Disney Resort on Oahu. I love Disney, so a mix of the two is a dream. Ever since I was a kid, Hawaii has felt like this magical place I could only imagine. Seeing the beautiful beaches, waterfalls, volcanoes, and sunsets that. To me, Hawaii is somewhere that would bring peace to both me and my family. My mom has been a single mom my whole life so taking a trip like that was never very practical financially.

This trip would be about sharing something unforgettable with my mom and my sister. They’ve been by my side through every appointment, every treatment, and every hard day. Cancer is a family diagnosis. I want to give us the chance to create memories that would last a lifetime. These are the kinds of moments that will stay with them forever.”

Jayce’s family travelled to Hawaii in October of 2025.
After returning from Hawaii, Jayce lost his battle with leukemia.