14-Year-Old Girl’s ‘Normal’ Headache Turns into a Nightmare Diagnosis—She Was Given Just 18 Months to Live

At just 14 years old, Jade Jackson was diagnosed with brain cancer after what seemed like a normal headache turned into a life-altering revelation. Initially brushing off her symptoms as hormonal, Jade’s life took a dramatic turn after a particularly severe headache left her vomiting.

“I instantly got an excruciating pain in my head and went and threw up,” Jade recalled. “That’s when we knew something was going on. From there we went straight to get an MRI.”

The scans revealed she had brain cancer, and doctors gave her a devastating prognosis—just 18 months to live. “I initially felt scared and worried, and the thought of ‘why me?’ kept running through my mind,” she shared. “The true feeling of ‘oh my gosh, I have brain cancer’ set in. Although I was scared, I knew God and family would be with me every step of the way, which gave me peace”, reported the Mirror.

Now 26, Jade has defied the odds, becoming part of the 47% of brain cancer survivors who live over 10 years post-diagnosis. Despite her survival, the journey has not been without challenges. She has endured years of intensive treatment, including six weeks of full brain and spine radiation, oral chemotherapy, and participation in a clinical trial.

“I have a lot of long-term side effects now, and it truly impacts my life,” Jade said. Neuropathy, a condition causing chronic pain, has been one of her most debilitating side effects. “Some days just your normal day-to-day walking is difficult and so painful for me,” she explained.

Jade’s breakthrough came when she started using StimRouter, an implantable pain management device. The device brought her much-needed relief. “Almost overnight, my pain dramatically reduced,” she shared. “The StimRouter has changed my life by allowing me to be more active in my daily life and helping to relieve pain.”

As a teacher, Jade now enjoys spending time with her students and friends, something she once thought would be impossible. While she celebrates her victories, she remains committed to raising awareness about the lasting effects of cancer treatment. “I wish more people knew that there are lifelong side effects from chemo and radiation,” she said. “Just because the treatment is over doesn’t mean the journey is.”

Her faith has been a guiding force throughout her journey. “I have really good days and really bad days, but through it all, God is by my side and is my strength. I owe it all to him!” Jade said, offering hope and inspiration to others facing similar battles.