Jaylon Fong

The Year of Our Dragon Warrior

2012-01-22T22:17:00.000-08:00

Gung Hay Fat Choy! The Year of the Dragon is upon us and it's so fitting that Jaylon, according to the Chinese horoscope, is himself a Dragon. He is truly our Dragon Warrior always rising above immense adversity.

Here's what is said about Dragons:

"Dragons have something important to contribute. The power of Dragons lies in their refusal to give up. To the Dragon way of thinking, there is always a solution to be found. Dragons are happiest when they have a good cause where they can focus their energy." -Horoscope.com

Bone Marrow Aspiraton, Spinal Tap, and Chemo [UPDATED 1/23/12]

2012-01-19T20:59:00.000-08:00

Blood and bone marrow samples

[UPDATE 1/23/12]: Bone marrow results are CLEAR. White blood cell in CNS showed no evidence of leukemia blasts!

ANC 1.5
WBC 2.1
HGB 11.3
PLT 279K

Jaylon underwent a bone marrow aspiration and another spinal tap today due to the abnormal cell present in his last test results. They are sending his blood, bone marrow, and CSF samples to a special lab in Seattle to further detect any recurrence. The lab in Seattle has one of the most sensitive devices that can scan for the tiniest presence of leukemia cells.

Today's lab results looked good and the preliminary CSF showed 1 white blood cell. We will find out more details when the final results come in on Monday. Jaylon was lively and in good spirits this morning. Everything went on as planned with no surprises.

The bone aspiration was an excruciating sight and not for the faint of heart. Imagine opening a bottle of wine with a corkscrew. Now imagine instead of a wine bottle, it is your back side. The doctor violent drives the corkscrew-like tool into his back and pushes it in deep and rocks side to side until the spongy bone marrow is retrieved.

We are now back in wait mode. Although worrisome we are very optimistic because all other results look great. Jay is a bit sore and is experiencing some discomfort as expected. With all that he is starting his steroids week again.

Thank you for all your prayers and well wishes.

Youthee Awards at Youth1.com

2012-01-16T18:58:00.000-08:00

Jaylon is a finalist for the Youth1 Youthee Award for Story of the Year. Please CLICK HERE to vote for Jaylon.

From the Youth1.com website:

On Wednesday, February 1st, we will announce the winners, and each will be based on two important criteria.

1- VOTING: Go to Youth1.com or TheYouthees.com to vote for your nominee! Youth1 will only accept one vote per person so get the word out to get as many votes as possible.
2- FACEBOOK SUPPORT: We want to see your support for your nominee on Facebook.com/youth1media. Make your case. Brag for your nominee. Tell us why he/she should win. Post pictures and post video.

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

2012-01-11T14:07:00.000-08:00

Jaylon Fights Leukemia

This is going to be a BIG year for Jaylon's Fight against Leukemia. Please help him get more 'Likes' by sharing his FB page Jaylon Fights Leukemia with all of your friends. You can also follow his journey on Twitter at @JaylonFong. Thank you for your support.

Follow @JaylonFong

Mandy's Locks of Love Donation

2012-01-02T19:04:00.000-08:00

Mandy decided to cut her hair and donate it to Locks of Love. She willingly cut 10 inches of her hair so that other children who have hair loss may use her hair to restore self-esteem and confidence. This is her 2nd donation since 2009.

Happy 2012!

2012-01-01T11:14:00.000-08:00

Hope, Love, Strength, and Peace in 2012. Happy New Year!

1 Suspicious Cell

2011-12-29T11:23:00.000-08:00

Jay's CSF samples from 12/22/11

Jaylon's doctor called this morning to inform us there was one suspicious cell in his cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) from the last lumbar puncture (spinal tap). Back in November 2010 there was a similar cell found right before we were to leave for our Make-A-Wish trip. A subsequent spinal tap and bone marrow was done a few weeks later and revealed everything was clear. Since then a more aggressive protocol was followed for his lumbar punctures.

Because of this history another spinal tap and bone marrow aspiration will be done in the middle of January to ensure there are no other abnormal cells. We are hoping for good results again. Jaylon right now is having a rough time with his decadron(steroids), but overall is doing better.

Great Grandfather 'Lolo Ray' passes away at 92

2011-12-28T22:09:00.000-08:00

Jaylon and Lolo Ray in San Diego 12/6/09

We are saddened to report that Jaylon's great grandfather Raymundo Manangan Ortaliza (Lolo Ray) passed away at 2:20pm today at the age of 92 at Sharp Hospital in Chula Vista following a brief illness. Lolo Ray was surrounded by his family. He is survived by his sister, 4 daughters, 4 sons, 25 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

Lolo Ray will be missed dearly. May he rest in peace. We love you Lolo Ray.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T17:30:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to all! Thank you for the love, prayers, and support this year. Here is Jaylon's year in review video. Happy Holidays!

Toy Delivery and Tour 2011

2011-12-22T23:30:00.000-08:00

Giving his speech after his spinal tap and chemo a few hours earlier.

Jaylon's 2nd Annual Toy Delivery and Tour was a tremendous success thanks to the support of many of our friends, family, followers, and supporters. We would like to thank Mesa Elementary, Hard 9 Baseball Club, Alhambra Starbucks, Sierra Vista Middle School, Mrs. Jen Loaiza and CABLE, Hector Cuevas and his co-workers and friends at Los Angeles Superior Court Human Resources, and everyone who donated toys to Jaylon's Toy Drive.

In addition to the toys, a donation check of $500 was presented to the Pediatric Department. The donation was made possible by the tireless efforts of CABLE, a volunteer club at Sierra Vista Middle School in Covina headed by Mrs. Loaiza.

Katherine Palacios and Danielle Linden of CABLE

Jaylon emerged from his spinal tap and chemo to give his heart warming speech to those that gathered. Although he was still a little dazed from his treatment, he fought through it and even gave an interview to KABC 7 who were there to cover his event.

ANC 2.0 WBC 2.6 HGB 11.6 PLT 294K

After the presentation a tour was provided for the guests. Our tour guides Bridget Marshall and Jenni Finnie took the guests on an enchanting walk through the gardens of City of Hope.

Thank you to all that attended and we hope to make Jaylon's Toy Drive even bigger next year. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

P.S. Jaylon is doing well and resting at home.

Jaylon's COH Toy Drive Drop-Off Locations

2011-12-07T12:59:00.001-08:00

We are pleased to announce the following Toy Drop-Off Locations:

Starbucks
101 W Main St
Alhambra, CA 91801
(Corner of Main St and 1st St)

Mesa Elementary
Main Office Lobby
409 S. Barranca St.
West Covina, CA 91791

Sierra Vista Middle School

Main Office Lobby
777 East Puente St.
Covina, CA 91723

The Office Sports/Hard 9 Baseball Club
Front Lobby

4411 La Palma Ave

Anaheim, CA 92807

Shipping/Mailing Address

Jaylon Fong
C/O Francis Fong
113 W. Main Street
Suite 228
Alhambra, CA 91801

Here is Jaylon's 1st Annual City of Hope Toy Drive in 2010.

Thank you for your generous support and Happy Holidays!

The Final Lap - Year 3

2011-12-03T08:37:00.000-08:00

"When I got leukemia I thought I would never play baseball again. I was afraid but the medicine made me better. The City of Hope made me strong again. I am no longer afraid. Soon I will be done with my treatment. I can't wait for that day." -Jaylon

Jaylon's Mom:

Today marks 3 years since our son, Jaylon was diagnosed with Leukemia. As I look back and ponder over the last 3 years of blood draws, chemo, spinal taps, bone marrow procedures, late-night trips to the ETC, which turned into several days at Helford Hospital, I am so proud of the courage and strength Jaylon has endured throughout his treatment.

What started out as a dull fever, became a mother’s worst nightmare….after several blood tests and x-rays, I knew something was terribly wrong. The only thing I heard the Dr say was “…abnormal blood test, hematologist, and blood disease." From that point on, I knew that our lives would change forever. I cried hysterically for hours that day. I remember searching the Internet for information on blood disease, dull fever, and hip pain…….they all led to one thing – CANCER. From the moment we arrived at the City of Hope and met with the Dr, I knew it was serious. On December 3 2008, Jaylon was diagnosed with ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia).

The last 3 years have been an emotional rollercoaster for me, as a mother of a child with Leukemia…..so much so that I became a patient at the City of Hope last year (I have the scars to prove it). But more importantly, I will never forget the look of fear and helplessness in Jaylon’s face, as I was screaming in pain, and taken away to the ETC. I felt so helpless….I was supposed to be the strong one and take care of him, but the last couple of years really took a toll on me and the family, emotionally and physically. And why wouldn’t it?.....

Watching Jaylon during every spinal tap and bone marrow procedure and wondering if he would remember what they did to him, after he woke up….thankful that the only thing on his mind was “what Daddy was bringing for lunch."
Always making sure I had a bag in the car for the ride home after every chemo treatment, wondering if I was going to have to pull over, or if we were going to make it home without vomiting.
Regardless of how sick Jaylon felt, he always had the strength to go to Game Stop after a spinal or bone marrow procedure to get his much deserved DS game…..it was “our” special routine and the least a mother could do after watching her son endure chemo and a spinal tap month after month.
My purse became a pharmacy, filled with zofran, pepcid, and Tylenol, for those times when he felt nauseous from the chemo, had a tummy ache from the steroids, or a fever, which meant a possible trip to the ETC.
Remembering all the times Jaylon walked into our room in the middle of the night, because he wasn’t feeling well, and not knowing what else to do, except to hold him in my arms and stay up until he fell asleep, only to wake up an hour later to get up for work and become a whole different person.

It’s been a long road to recovery, but I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. And throughout it all, Jaylon NEVER complained or felt sorry for himself.

Thanks to all of our friends for your SUPPORT. Thanks to our Parents for your LOVE. Thanks to Aaron, Mandy, and Brandon for your UNDERSTANDING. Thanks to my wonderful husband, Francis for your STRENGTH AND COMPASSION. Thanks to Jaylon…for being my HERO!!

Jaylon's Dad:
A couple of days before this date 3 years ago, we had a sense something was terribly wrong with Jaylon. My heart told me the blood results were wrong and he was going to be fine. However, my conscience told me to prepare for the worst. The night before our first ever appointment at City of Hope, I took Jay's older brother Aaron out with me to a local baseball field to clear my mind. It was a cold night and it felt icy with the lingering grief that was about to hit me. Tears were rolling down my face as I hit ground ball after ground ball to Aaron. Aaron was oblivious to what he would be facing as well. I wondered that night if I would ever be able to play catch with Jaylon again.

In the morning of the next day the journey of our lives began. The days after his diagnosis were filled with trepidation and tears. I remember going home with Melinda to pack for the hospital stay and wondering how long will he be there. One week? One month? One year? Melinda was clearly too distraught to pack, she frantically asked, "What are we going to do?" I embraced her and beneath the tears I told her, “He’s going to be okay. Jaylon is a fighter. He’s going to beat this.”

Today as I stroll down the halls of City of Hope with Jaylon, I no longer feel the despair I once had. There has not been any big celebrations simply because as one phase of treatment ended, another one would start. We stand up to his cancer, but we will not show it up because the fight is not over. We no longer ask why him, why us, or how could this have happen. Rather we ask what we can do to help and how can he inspire others.

Jaylon is fortunate to be where he is today. We are fortunate to witness his remarkable display of courage up close. Cancer has taken a lot from us the last 3 years. But what the cancer has taken, the City of Hope along with our family, friends, and admirers, have given back ten folds. And for that we are forever grateful.

Jaylon's Speech at the COH Staff Meeting

2011-11-30T20:20:00.001-08:00

Jaylon was invited to share his story at the City of Hope's Development and External Affairs National Staff Meeting. The department consists of fundraising, events, communications, creative services, visitor services and regional staff. Over 150+ were in attendance to hear his story for the first time.

(Click on the Closed Caption Button [CC] for the transcipt)

Prior to the event Jaylon had been feeling miserable. He was in and out of school the last several days due to 'roids week. Earlier this morning I received a call from the school health office informing me that he couldn't bear his abdominal pain any longer. After picking him up from the office he stayed home and rested.

When we arrived at COH, Jaylon was ready to go. He spoke eloquently about his journey and showed gratitude for the staff at the hospital for saving his life. Many were visibly moved to tears as he revealed his passions in life and his aspirations for helping others with cancer. In the end the audience gave him an emotional standing ovation.

The Heart of Christmas

2011-11-27T00:05:00.001-08:00

The gmctv World Premiere Movie, THE HEART OF CHRISTMAS, was inspired by the true story of the Locke family, which also inspired the new song of the same name by Grammy-nominated recording artist Matthew West. THE HEART OF CHRISTMAS tells the story of one family's quest for their seriously ill son to experience an early and magical Christmas, and how an entire community came together to make it possible. Their journey and desire to cherish every moment would change their lives and those of millions around the world forever.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T17:38:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving 2005 - Turkey Fry

A Happy Thanksgiving to all our friends and families! -Love Jaylon & Family

Thanksgiving Chemo Feast

2011-11-21T19:09:00.001-08:00

The old beaten path to the clinic

ANC 1.4
WBC 1.9
HGB 11.8
PLT 309K

Today was one of the busiest days at COH as patients were getting their appointments and chemo in before the Thanksgiving weekend. Jay received his Pre-Thanksgiving Chemo Feast. He began the day with his blood draw that resulted in (in the doctor's words) 'good numbers for someone receiving the type of treatment he's getting.' After his check up he got pentamidine and later finished the day with vincristine. Tonight he will begin another week of decadron.


Vincristine

With chemo behind him, he can now focus on Thanksgiving and some baseball this weekend.

Who Do You Play For?

2011-11-16T22:45:00.001-08:00

Who Do You Play For?

Children's Cancer Fund

Starlight Fantasy Camp for Kids

2011-11-11T15:55:00.001-08:00

Jaylon and his siblings attended the Starlight Foundation's Fantasy Camp for Kids at Angel Stadium today. Jay and his brothers had a fantastic time playing on the field with Rex Hudler, Clyde Wright, Kevin Flora, Matt Luke, and many other Angel players. Thank you Starlight and California Pizza Kitchen for setting up this memorable event.

Jay and the Wonder Dog

A Day of Champions

2011-11-07T12:54:00.000-08:00

Thank you Bogart Pediatric Cancer Research Program for inviting Jaylon to A Day of Champions. He had a great time at this wonderful event to benefit pediatric cancer research.

To see who was there, visit this link: Celebrities List

@TheRealMattKemp @Bree_Real @CourageandFaith

Make-A-Wish: One Year Ago

2011-11-06T00:23:00.000-07:00

One year ago today, Jaylon embarked upon a trip of a lifetime made possible by the Make-A-Wish Foundation. We are forever grateful to the Make-A-Wish Foundation for the memories that will last a lifetime.

Relive the moments here: Make-A-Wish November 2010

Matt Kemp's Most Valuable Fan

2011-11-02T13:55:00.000-07:00

Jaylon has been down all week due to the decadron, however watching this clip put a big smile on his face. Thank you Matt Kemp!

Travel Ball Select Article

2011-10-28T15:16:00.000-07:00

Click to read Jaylon's story on www.travelballselect.com.

11U - The Jaylon Fong Story - Travel Ball Select

Smurf Sighting at COH

2011-10-27T21:22:00.000-07:00

You could sense the festive atmosphere as you roam the halls of City of Hope. Today was the annual Halloween Parade and Trick or Treat. Before Jay could join in on the festivities he had a little business to take care of, chemo.

ANC 2.4 - WBC 2.9 - HGB 11.6 - PLT 242K

Jay is a Smurf this Halloween. He had his round of vincristine and pentamidine in the morning. Since the pentamidine took longer than expected, the nurse interrupted his chemo midway so he wouldn't miss the Halloween parade of treats.

After making his rounds and collecting what felt like 10lbs of treats, he headed back to the clinic to finish the rest of his treatment. Tonight begins another week of decadron. The Halloween Parade at City of Hope is a wonderful event for the pediatric patients and their families. Jaylon and his brothers and sister always look forward to this day.

CBC, CSF, & A/H1N1

2011-10-13T21:49:00.000-07:00

Tough draw

ANC 2.2
WBC 3.1
HGB 12.2
PLT 223K

Jay woke up this morning with a mild headache before heading for his CBC(complete blood count) at City of Hope. His nurse had a hard time drawing blood from Jay's port. It takes a special set of skills and a little bit of luck for his nurses to get the blood flowing on the first try.

While waiting for the results we were informed that Jay's CSF(cerebrospinal fluid) from his last lumbar puncture contained a small amount of 'unclassified' cells. From the conversations with the doctor, 'unclassified' cells are abnormal cells that may have regenerated from an infection. Since there was less than 1 white cell and no blasts were present, this is not a concern and his treatment plan remains the same. The CSF was taken prior to the administration of chemo, so these 'unclassified' cells may have already been destroyed.

Getting the flu shot

Jay's blood counts remain strong. He ended his visit by getting his flu shot (A/H1N1). With his arm a little sore from the shot he later attended baseball practice with his team.

Baseball practice

Happy 11th Birthday Jaylon!

2011-10-06T09:11:00.000-07:00

B-Day dinner with the family

B-Day Wishes from the future NL MVP

Thank you everyone for the Birthday Wishes!