DIAGNOSIS & JOURNEY:

With unlimited adventures; road-trips, flights and parties planned, the bright sky that Jaclynn so effortlessly lit up became darker on April 28, 2020. Shortly after her 29th birthday, test results confirmed Jaclynn was diagnosed with Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Her days were quickly filled with lab work, wig shopping, scans/MRIs, biopsy’s, appointments and phone calls. It was in that moment Jaclynn didn’t realize how strong she truly was; not only for herself, but for her entire support system.

Scared yet admirably brave, within the next month Jaclynn visited the Moffitt Cancer Center to get a second opinion and assure that she was following the best possible treatment plan. Chemotherapy treatment (ACT) was then suggested for 20 weeks.

By June, Jaclynn started fertility shots nightly in preparation to have her eggs frozen. Chemotherapy increases the chance of damage to the ovaries which could cause future fertility complications, so she decided this was the right choice. Soon after she met with her oncologist to begin her treatment, by June 21, 2020 her first round of chemo was complete. She described feeling, “foggy but thankful” that the side effects were not terrible.

By July 1st, Jaclynn completed her second round of chemo and received positive news that her mass was now measuring 1.5 cm compared to 2.6 cm. As the summer passed, she continued her treatments taking the good days in with the bad. Often feeling defeated, she just wanted to get back to a normal life. However, that didn’t stop her from persevering. In August, she started two new Chemo drugs (Taxol and Carbo), intended to be easier on the body and continued for several months.

Finally, after 134 long days; on October 30, 2020, Jaclynn had her final chemotherapy infusion. Smiling from ear to ear while wearing a cold-cap, she proudly rang the bell at the Moffitt Cancer Center looking toward the future with hope and faith. She was so grateful.

Unfortunately, in the new year of 2021, she experienced what she referred to as, “another bump in the road”. Jaclynn’s pathology report was returned with unfavorable results indicating that residual cancer cells were left that did not show up on her MRI. Scared but confident, Jaclynn and her surgeon agreed that getting a mastectomy followed by radiation would be the best option and she was scheduled for the operation the following morning.

Jaclynn’s recovery period went well during those first four months of 2021. At the end of April, 365 days since her initial diagnosis, she reflected on her journey and how unexpected and difficult it was. She was so incredibly graceful through it all. She never wanted anyone to see her suffer. Jaclynn valiantly faced each dark day reminding herself faith is stronger than fear. It was at this point she accepted cancer as a chapter in her story, but was finally ready to close the book and get back to normal days with a greater appreciation for life. She continued chemo treatments until October of that year which officially put her in remission.

HER FINAL FIGHT:

God gave Jaclynn 2022 to be herself again. She traveled with friends, made new memories, lived wild and free; exactly as she always had. For a brief moment in time, we were blessed with her health and happiness until one scan took that from us. 12 months later, in October 2022, Jaclynn experienced unbearable back and rib pain which led to a Bone Marrow Biopsy. The Triple-Negative Breast Cancer had metastasized to her bones. This put her at Stage 4 and she once again began chemo.

Jaclynn continued her treatment into the new year of 2023 and was responding well until March when she began to have vision problems. She initially saw an eye doctor, followed by an Oncologist who ordered a brain scan. On March 30th, results confirmed innumerable lesions were present and the cancer had spread to her brain. By this time, blood transfusions were no longer helping and her health started to decline quickly leaving her in the hospital. By the end of April, she was put on a ventilator to help her breathe. Jaclynn braved her toughest battle yet, day after day- the true definition of strength.
In the coming months she faced pneumonia, a collapsed lung, a tracheotomy, among other complications, but with her family by her side daily, she never gave up. Jaclynn was blessed with her mother Lee Ann’s committed faith as she provided around-the-clock care for her during these difficult months. Her mom was and always will be her anchor that was her driving force to fight.

On May 29, 2023, Jaclynn became our angel. In the face of unimaginable adversity, she always displayed unwavering courage, and resilience unlike anything we’ve ever seen.
Her determination to live life to the fullest, even in the shadow of this cruel disease, was nothing short of inspiring.

This website stands as a testament to her honorable spirit and as a reminder to live unapologetically free. Through this platform, we can share her story, her passions, and her memories with the world, ensuring that her light continues to shine brightly.

In her words we are, “stronger than Triple-Negative Breast Cancer”

If you or a loved one has been affected by Triple-Negative Breast Cancer, please know that you are not alone. We hope Jaclynn’s story helps spread awareness of this terrible disease and together we can make a difference in the life of a young woman currently fighting. Consider donating in memory of Jaclynn or for any warrior who lost their battle.

We thank you for visiting our foundation and learning about OUR warrior.

With Love,
The Smith Family