Texas (Central)

Jade was never fussy because she knew over 300 signs before she could talk.  Her intelligence and curiosity about the world enthralled her parents.  When her mom, Vicky, noticed Jade's eyes crossing, she asked if her eyes hurt. Jade was playing when she remarked, "I can see two of you, Mommy, but that's OK because I love you." Soon after, Jade was diagnosed with DIPG. She battled for 5 days before earning her angel wings.  Jade's love for her Mom, Dad, and sister was palpable to everyone who knew them.  Jade's dad, Troy, was a Texas State Trooper, and when Jade was in the hospital, they were overwhelmed by the outpouring of support, seeing a waiting room filled with Troopers.  

After losing Jade, their family got in the car. They drove with no destination in mind.  Vicky, Troy, and Jade's little sister headed north and eventually decided to go to Niagara Falls.  This trip took them straight through Cincinnati, Ohio, where Vicky felt like Jade was leading them to meet Keith and Brooke Desserich. They knocked on the doors of The Cure Starts Now headquarters and met Keith, Brooke, and Lisa Hill.  The parents spent over two hours talking, sharing stories, and leaning on each other. Vicky has said that it was good to be around parents who have been through this and understood their pain. Vicky was beginning to see what Jade’s mission was for her. Turning pain into purpose, a few weeks later she signed on to start the Texas (Central) Chapter in Jade’s honor.  Before Jade was diagnosed with DIPG, she had asked her mom if she could go to a father-daughter dance with her dad.  Because of this request, the chapter’s first event was Jade’s Royal Ball.  A video of the Texas State Troopers dancing with their daughters went viral and helped bring awareness to DIPG. Additionally, their chapter has been busy with many events in their area. They have hosted Jade’s Memorial Golf Tournament, Drive Fore the Cure Golf Tournament, Mayday for Cancer Research, and many more.  The Texas State Troopers have continued to support their chapter through Father-Daughter Dances, Beard It Up, and many more fundraisers.  

Vicky wrote, "When our lives have been destroyed by childhood cancer, all we have left is to raise awareness. Are we seeking attention? Absolutely. Attention to increase funding for research, not for sympathy."  The Texas (Central) Chapter has raised over $700,000 for research in honor of Jade. Vicky is also a member of the Strategic Advisory Council.  It is our honor to partner with Vicky and support her in raising money for brain cancer research. Thank you so much to Vicky for her dedication and commitment!

#TroopersAngelJade

The Cure Starts Now (501c3 Federal Non-Profit) is one of the only cancer foundations dedicated to a “homerun” cure for all cancers, starting first with one of the most deadly and difficult cancers: pediatric brain cancer. Many experts believe that the lessons we learn from fighting pediatric cancer may in fact provide us the critical first step in winning the battle against all forms of cancer, both pediatric and adult.