Jordan with his friend Goofy
Hi , my name is Jordan and I am 15 years old . My life before a brain tumour was great. I had an active life in sports and out with my friends. I was 9 years old when I was first diagnosed with a brain tumour. When I was 2 I had a few seizures and was hospitalized. I never back then had an MRI or cat scan done to rule anything out. My mom kept insisted but the doctors never took my mom serious and thought she was just being and over-protective-mom. I always complained of constipation, stomach upsets but the doctors never went any farther with it.
When I turned 9, I started having headaches, stomach upsets more frequently, my energy level started to drop and I felt tired a lot. My family switched family doctors and my mom voiced her concerns to the new family doctor .The family doctor suggested let’s do a cat scan to check everything out. Within days my parents were called in the office to be told there was a cloudy figure on your son’s brain and were told to take me to McMaster for an MRI.
After the MRI it was confirmed it was a brain tumour and we had to operate immediately to remove it. Apparently I was born with the brain tumour. The blood vessels were wrapped all around this brain tumour. It was a very risky operation and they really didn’t know what the outcome was going to be. I remember watching my parents both cry in the doctor’s office. I really didn’t know too much or understand, so I wasn’t scared. My biopsy was scheduled Feb 22 to determine what type of tumour it was.
We really had no time to think or worry. The results confirmed it was a Germinoma-Teratoma and it was in the Pineal part of my brain. A month later it was removed after an eight-hour surgery. I stayed in the hospital for 2 weeks and had to have physio to help with my walking, balance, dressing, eating, I was in a lot of pain. I couldn’t move my neck due to the pain I was in. I had a scar at the top of my head from the biopsy and a big scar going down from the top of my head to my neck.
I never had to have chemo or radiation because apparently they got it all. I will never forget that feeling. I remember saying to my mom I could have died. I remember her looking down at me with tears in her eyes and say but you didn’t. After about three weeks I was back to school and back in the classroom but I was able to leave to take rest periods because it was too much to sit in my desk all day. I would go to the health room and rest. My teacher at the time was very nice and even had the bed put in my classroom so I wouldn’t miss out on any school work. I continued to do great and continued with physio.
"On my three-year anniversary we went to florida to celebrate three years tumour free."
On my three year anniversary we went to Florida to celebrate 3 years tumour free. So my whole family went to Florida to celebrate my great fortune. I was scheduled for a routine check-up a week after we got back to make sure everything was great. After a few days my results were in and we had to go to the office for the results. My results were that my tumour was back and I had to go and have a biopsy done to check if it was malignant or not. I will never forget when the doctors told us the news. My mom and Dad were crying. It was back and malignant … I was scared. I remembered all the pain I had from the last one and now I have cancer. I was scheduled for chemo and radiation because they couldn’t remove it this time. I started to think positive thoughts that I beat it last time and I will this time.
My treatments started and I lost all my hair, got very sick from the treatments, missed 1 1/2 years of school. My balance was affected .My mom had to help with my baths, my memory was affected, I became very tired all the time, my friends deserted me, all I had was my family. My mom was my caregiver and she always made sure I drank all healthy drinks, food and took vitamins. She made smoothies for me made with lots of fruit that gave me a lot of antioxidants.
I am in remission today.
My memory has improved but I still have short term memory loss. I spend my days in my room or with my family because I am still too tired to keep up with my peer group. My friends have all moved on so I find things to keep me busy. I am still having stomach issues since treatment but we continue going back and forth to the doctors hoping for some answers.
Overall I am very happy to have my life and I want to be a child life counselor when I get older so I can help other children. I go for check-ups every four months. I try to think very positive and give hope to a lot of people.
I even made a rap up about my life.
I enjoy telling my story because it helps me while helping others.
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Hi Jordan, Your story is such an inspiration to read. My husband has a brain tumour as well he is 28, he is also a fighter, and very positive like you. I am very happy to hear you are in remission, and I am sure your story will bring hope to many people
I like to think positive because my Mom always said positive thoughts bring positive results .I wish all the best for your husband . I always try to participate in the Relay for Life , fashion shows with the childrens miracle network , Terry Fox run , this helps me deal when I surround myself with others that are going through what I did .It makes me for great as will as others . I like to share my story because it helps eveyone including me .
Jordan – thank you so much for sharing your story. I, myself, am a 20 year survivor of a malignant teratoma brain tumor. My parents, too, had to keep taking me back to the doctor’s office, because back then that was not the first thing they thought of. My thoughts and prayers will be with you on your journey. Kudos to your parents for knowing something was wrong, and not giving up until the answer was found.
Jordan, Thank you for sharing your story. It brought tears to my eyes. My son was 6 when he was diagnosed with medulloblastoma. He is now 10 and doing well. You sound like an amazing you man. I wish you the very best!
Shawna Singleton
Thank – you so much . I have to be strong to win . Glad your son is doing well .
Hi Jordan,Ienjoyed your story.You are a very brave young man & an inspiration to others ,keep it up .Icontinue to follow all yo u do & pray for you always,.Take care .Hugs Shirley PS. Hoping to see you back in NL. sometime
WOW! Jordan, you are such an inspiration and very proud to say you are my cousin!
Keep up the positive outlook, your mother is always right! Hope to see you soon.
carolanne&john&family
Jordan,
Eventhough I know all of this about you, reading this story made me cry! You truly are an inspiration to all that know you. Your life has affected so many people. The strength and courage that you have is like nothing I’ve ever seen in another person, especially, someone your age. You have been blessed to the high Heavens with the parents and family that you have. Keep fighting the fight and stay positive because that will carry you a very long way and help to deal with anything that comes your way! We are very proud to know you and your family and we will continue to pray for healing for you! xxxoooo Pauline and Steve
Those of us who know Jordan only have a small glimps of what he and his family went thru. We know that you are all fighters. We are so proud of you as a young man. I have no doubt that you will succeed in anything you want to do in your future. You have helped so many people already just by sharing your story.
Jordan we have known each other for several years now and every time I see you, I am in awe at the courage and quiet strength you carry with you. You never complain, there is always a smile on your face and your love for life shines through. Everyone that meets you and hears your story is inspired by you and all you have gone through. You are an inspiration and wise beyond your years. You have an inner strength that not all possess. You are blessed with a strong family that loves and supports you and you mean the world to them. When they talk about you its with love and great pride!!! You are surrounded by love from everyone around you …believe me. We wish a bright and long future for you and we are privileged and blessed to have you in our lives.
vorrei davvero eersse minuscolo ed eersse lec dove tu cammini, io scappo continuamente dalle tue circa giganti . ma poi alla fine senza che neanche lo sai mi schiacci rimango vivo e incastrato alla tua suola mentre mi assaporo cosa vuol dire stare sotto a un piege gigante
Jordan,
You are truly the most inspirational person I know and I am so proud for all you do towards the cause. You have come such a long way and are so positive to be around. You will make a good counceller one day and have already helped more people than you will ever know. You are very close and dear to my heart and have grown into such a wonderful young man. I enjoy doing the Relay For Life with you each year and enjoy our visits. You have made a difference and are a survivor and a hero.
Your mom is an amazing woman and you are so lucky to have parents and a strong family like you have. You can see how very proud they all are of you.
Continue with your dreams, because I know they will come true for you.
Love you with all my heart <3
Sherry G
Jordan
You are such an amazing young man, we are so proud of you.Your dream of being able to help others already shine through in all you do.You are an inspiration to so many and your story is one of strength ,courage,love and hope.We love you Jordan and so blessed to have you in our lives.XXXOOO
Hi Jordan. Thank you for sharing your story. You sound like a very strong young man and I hope and pray that you continue to stay healthy. It is great that you have such a loving family to support you. A good family and friends help keep you strong for sure.
Thanks everyone for your beautiful and inspiring comments .Life after a brain cancer is not the same for family members and the indivdiual but I do know our faith and outlook on life has changed .We look on every aspect of our life that everyday is special and marked with special memories . We try to give hope to other families going through what we have and we educate ourselves to try and change our lifestyle by making the right choices about food that can enhance life . Everyday is a worry about Jordan’s health changing but we try not to let that run our life .We try to live our day as it is today and not worry about tomorrow .Jordan still goes for his check-ups regularly and we are still hoping for answers .We continue to hold on to our faith as it helps us through each day .
Hello Jordan,
I’ve heard about you and your story through a mutual friend. After reading your story I am in awe of your perseverance and ability to speak freely about your situation where you’ve been and are headed. You inspire me Jordan!!!!
I too have brain cancer. I was diagnosed in 2004 and after multi clinical trial studies I am alive today; however not without the damage it has caused. I thank the Lord something worked and I am here to watch my Granddaughter grow up.
Please take good care my Friend, and continue with your inspiring work to inform others, and know that you are making a difference in this world.
My thougths and prayers are with you and your Family,
Kindest regards,
Delina Petrie
Beautiful story Jordan, you are truely an inspiration and a Earth Angel.
Blessings and Love to you.
Mollie Hammond
Jordon, I am so happy to have met you and your family at Camp Trillium. You have a special place in my heart. You are so positive and wise beyond your years. You remind me so much of my Amanda who fought bravely but lost her battle to cancer when she was 13. I learn more about life and appreciate it more everytime we talk. I miss you and your family. You make me so proud to know you.
Hi Heather ,
I am glad I met u also .I feel like I met Amanda also .She was lucky to have a mom like u . I miss u guys also .
Hi Jordan….It’s Lyn from the Chip Wagon at Pinevally Park. I just wanted to say hi to you and your family. I miss you guys a lot since not having the chip wagon this year. You came to mind tonight and all I had to do was google your name. It wasn’t hard to find you. Keep up the positive attitude Jordan. You’re such an inspiration to so many people. Listen to your Mom too. She’s a really smart lady when it comes to keeping positive. You tell your Dad that I miss having him drop by to see me at the chip wagon. We had a lot of good laughs together and I miss him. I’m so happy that I got to meet you and your wonderful family.
Hi Lynn ,
We miss you at the trailer .I hope you and your family are well .Send me your number or trailer site maybe we can visit you . I am very busy with camp and love it .We do alot of fun things .I am getting an award on Sept 24th with the NHL Alumni Ace Bailey award .I am very excited about that . tc
Amazing , Amazing day !!!! I am so excited and I just can’t hide it !!!! Jordan will be getting an NHL Alunmi Award Sept 24 th . 1 recipientsCC: recipientsYou MoreBCC: recipientsYou
Hide Details FROM:Joyce TO:’CRAIG / TINA THORNE’…Message flagged Tuesday, June 19, 2012 12:32:41 PM
Meanwhile, here is a link to the info on the event:
http://nhlalumni.net/?pid=about_awards
Gather about 20 pictures and we will pick the best ones. The higher the resolution (bigger the size of the file) the better as they will be blown up and projected onto a large screen.
The details are as follows:
Sept 24 – 430pm
Toronto Airport Marriott, 901 Dixon Rd.
Suite will be provided for Jordan and his parent/adult accompaniment.
Jordan will receive a table of 10 complimentary for his family and friends. I will require these names.
There will be a dry run through of evening on Sept 24th at 3pm in the Marriott Grand Ballroom.
The attire is business. Jordan will be presented by Nelson Mota and Marty McSorley. Jordan will be asked to do a speech or have someone do it on his behalf.
That’s what I have for now – please confirm for me the number of immediate family members that will be travelling with you so I can make sure the suite is big enough. As I said, any other people going with you will need to book their own rooms if they want to stay and if you need more than 10 plates let me know. I will confirm the cost but I believe it is either $200 or $300 a plate.
Joyce
Check out the link to the amazing award Jordan will be awarded . Guy Leflure and many other hockey players and Doctors have been given this award . This is such an honour for Jordan . Ace Bailey was a friend of Wayne Gretezy and died in the 911 . This award is in honour of his name . Wow !!! can’t believe my son will be honoured with this award . Way to go Jordan !!!! We love you and are so honoured to be your parents . We love you .xoxoSee more
NHL Alumni | Hockey’s Greatest Family
nhlalumni.net
Each year the NHL Alumni Association recognizes stars from the past and the present, and friends of our hockey family, for their outstanding contribution to hockey, both on and off the ice.
Hi Jordan,
My name is Andrew, I work with the NHL Alumni Association as their resident writer. I just saw that you are this year’s Ace Bailey Award winner – Congratulations!!!! After reading your story here, I am very inspired and know that you are a very courageous young man and VERY deserving of this award
My wife Dianne and I are looking forward to meeting you at the Gala on the 24th. It’s a really fun night and the Alumni guys are all so awesome – you and your family will have a lot of fun!
All the best – Andrew
I had an amazing night .I am so greatful for the award .
Hello Jordan,
I wanted to say thank you for sharing. My friend Dianne shared your story and I’m glad I took the time to read it. In this day and age, it’s very easy to lose sight of how lucky we are sometimes; That we have access to health care, amazing families that will support us through the uncertainty of cancer, and that there is always hope.
Life can be hard enough when you are a teenager, but you and other kids like you, show the world what it really means to be courageous. I wish you the very best.
Thank you –
Sarah
Thanks , I want to be a motivation speaker because I understand so much after going through cancer and I want to be able to help others .
Hi Jordan, my 19 year old son (Marcus) was recently diagnosed with the same tumor, after experiencing a headache off and on for 4 days. Our lives changed immediately, as he had to have a shunt installed to remove 2 quarts of fluid from his head, then biopsy, and now chemotherapy. Surgery to remove the tumor is scheduled in a month. Since the biopsy, Marcus has lost hearing in both ears, and has minimal vision in one eye only. We are so grateful for the Children’s Hospital here in Colorado, and their team of oncology/neurology specialists!! Please pray for my son, and know that your story, and willingness to share has been such a source of inspiration to me and my family! Thank you!
Kindest regards,
Marlina