Who is Jayden?

Jayden is not your average 9 year old little boy... He is SO much more than that!!

In 2010, Jayden began experiencing severe back pain. When the pain would not go away, his family took him to the doctor for X rays, blood work, and a urinalysis. The results initially came back clear, but his pain continued to worsen.

Eventually, Jayden was taken to the emergency room, where an MRI revealed the heartbreaking news no parent or family ever wants to hear. Jayden had tumors.

Jayden was transported by ambulance from Saginaw to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he underwent surgery on June 1, 2010. Surgeons discovered a large tumor putting significant pressure on his spinal cord and interfering with the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid.

The doctors initially hoped to remove approximately 30 percent of the tumor. After surgery, his family received incredible news. The surgeon had been able to remove around 90 percent.

Jayden was diagnosed with Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumors (PNET) of the spine, an aggressive and highly malignant cancer.

Jayden and his family began preparing for radiation and chemotherapy in Ann Arbor when they learned that St. Jude Children's Research Hospital was conducting a study involving Jayden's diagnosis. After speaking with the medical team, many prayers, and much consideration, they made the journey from Midland, Michigan, to Memphis, Tennessee.

At St. Jude, Jayden underwent six weeks of intensive radiation. His final treatments included additional radiation to his brain after scans revealed small tumors there.

After radiation, Jayden and his family returned home so he could rest and prepare for the next part of his treatment. Intensive chemotherapy began in September. Jayden completed four rounds of chemotherapy. The treatments made him very sick, but he continued to bounce back and tried to make life as normal as possible.

For a time, the news was encouraging. His first scans after treatment showed the tumors continuing to shrink.

Three months later, however, everything changed.

Another scan showed that the cancer had begun growing again. Jayden had relapsed.

With no additional relapse protocol available for him at St. Jude, Jayden and his family made the decision to continue treatment in Ann Arbor. In July 2011, Jayden began a combination of oral and IV chemotherapy.

Over the months that followed, Jayden went through many MRIs and changes in medication as his doctors worked to control the cancer. He faced one challenge after another, but he continued fighting with remarkable strength and determination.

In June 2012, Jayden was hospitalized four times because of severe seizures. Two of those trips were by helicopter and two were by ambulance. His doctors worked to stabilize the seizures, and for a time they were able to gain better control.

Then, on August 11, 2012, Jayden was hospitalized again, this time with appendicitis. Even after everything cancer had already put him through, Jayden continued to face each new obstacle with incredible strength.

As time went on, however, the seizures became worse.

Jayden was hospitalized again in September, and on November 1, 2012, he returned home on palliative care. Being home allowed Jayden to be surrounded by his family and the animals he loved.

As the seizures progressed, Jayden eventually lost his ability to communicate and walk. He could no longer live the normal life an eight year old child deserved.

On the evening of November 27, 2012, Jayden took his last breath and entered the gates of Heaven.

His family misses him every single day. Losing Jayden changed their lives forever, but Jayden's story did not end that night.

Jayden had a remarkable ability to think about and help others, even while fighting his own battle. His kindness, strength, faith, and desire to help others became the inspiration for something much bigger.

Today, Jayden's dad, Tom, and his family continue to carry Jayden's legacy forward through the Jayden Lamb Memorial Foundation and the Pay It Forward Jayden Style movement. Through Jayden's legacy, they help children and families facing cancer and encourage others to spread kindness and make a difference in his name.

Jayden's life was far too short, but the difference he continues to make is not.

So who is Jayden?

Jayden truly is a miraculous young man! He has a smile that will melt your heart and all the love for Christ. Jayden continues to show us that God is AMAZING!! Jayden would go through an all-day chemotherapy treatment, come home from a 2 hour drive, and play a game of baseball. He never complained about having cancer, and would be type of kid that would hold everyone together. He was able to go to boy scouts every week and was even able to walk the bridge from being wolf to a bear. He loved trains, tractors, his John Deere Gator, and his cat, Nala. He enjoyed spending every minute he could with his family and if given the choice, he would have family game/movie night every day of the week. He was the sweetest boy with a heart of gold and a huge loss to our family.

Founders Statement

Jayden Lamb Memorial Foundation was created to honor the life and legacy of my son, Jayden, and to bring hope, comfort, and support to children fighting cancer and their families.

We know we cannot cure cancer, but we can make a difference in the lives of children and families who are facing it. A child spending days or weeks in the hospital may be going through treatments, procedures, and some of the most difficult moments of their young life. Sometimes something as simple as a special gift, an experience, or knowing that people are thinking about them can bring a much needed smile and give them something positive to look forward to.

Our family understands how pediatric cancer can change a family's life. We have walked this road ourselves, and that experience is at the heart of everything we do.

Through Jayden Lamb Memorial Foundation, we continue Jayden's legacy by helping children and families affected by pediatric cancer. Every child and every family has a different journey, and our goal is to bring a little hope, encouragement, and happiness during an incredibly difficult time.

None of this would be possible without the people who support our foundation. Whether you have made a donation, purchased a JLMF item, attended an event, volunteered, shared our story, or supported us in another way, you have helped make a difference.

Because of that support, 117 children and their families have been helped through our programs since 2019.

It is an honor to take the generosity entrusted to our foundation and use it to help children and families who are facing pediatric cancer. Every smile we can create and every family we can support allows Jayden's kindness and legacy to continue.

Thank you for believing in our mission, supporting these children and families, and helping us Pay It Forward Jayden Style.

Tom Lamb
President, Founder and Director
Jayden Lamb Memorial Foundation
501(c)(3) Private Operating Foundation

Our Board

The members of our board of directors are thought leaders who have made a significant contribution to our society. Each and every one of them brings a unique set of skills and expertise to our organization.