"I experienced severe headaches when I was 14 years old, and the doctors informed me that I only had a few months left to live."

A 14-year-old girl named Jade Jackson believed that her frequent headaches were simply a typical aspect of adolescence. However, when one headache became so intense it caused her nausea, she decided to consult her doctor. To her shock, she received a devastating diagnosis: brain cancer, and was given only 18 months to live.

She said: "Before my diagnosis, life was good. When I first got symptoms I was 14 and we thought the headaches were hormonal. I realised it was more serious when I came home from school one day and plopped down on the couch.

"I suddenly felt a sharp, intense pain in my head, which made me rush to the bathroom to throw up. That was the moment we realized something was wrong. We immediately headed to get an MRI."

Scans indicated that she was diagnosed with cancer. "At first, I was filled with fear and anxiety, and I couldn't shake the question 'why me?' from my thoughts," Jade recounted. "The reality of having brain cancer hit me hard. Even though I was frightened and anxious, I found comfort in knowing that God and my family would support me throughout this journey." Jade surpassed the 18-month prognosis and is part of the 47% of survivors who have lived for more than a decade after their diagnosis. Now at 26, she has embarked on a teaching career but continues to face significant health challenges. She developed neuropathy, which is nerve damage that can lead to chronic pain, and has had difficulties with sleep and mobility. The pain has also affected her professional life, leading her to adopt a more sedentary lifestyle.

"I've undergone extensive treatment over the last 11 years," Jade shares. "It began with six weeks of radiation for my brain and spine, combined with oral chemotherapy. Following that, I went through several different chemotherapy regimens and participated in a clinical trial. Now, I deal with numerous long-term side effects that significantly affect my daily life. Neuropathy is perhaps the most challenging. Each of these issues restricts my ability to perform everyday activities. There are days when even simple tasks like walking become incredibly difficult and painful for me."

Jade has recently started using an implantable pain management device called StimRouter. Almost instantly, she experienced a significant decrease in her pain levels, enabling her to enjoy restful sleep, socialize with friends, and unwind after a long day on her feet with her students. "The StimRouter has transformed my life by giving me the ability to engage more actively in my daily activities and providing much-needed pain relief," Jade shares.

"I consider myself fortunate to experience each day to its fullest." Jade aims to highlight that the repercussions of cancer treatment can persist indefinitely, yet she shares that her faith guides her through the toughest moments. "I wish more individuals understood that chemotherapy and radiation can have lasting side effects," she emphasizes. "The conclusion of treatment doesn't signify the end of the journey. I have my share of great days and challenging days, but through everything, God remains with me, providing strength. I attribute everything to Him!"