The abruptness with which life can change is something most families hope never to experience, yet for Oregon mother Britney McRae and her four-year-old son, Jamon, such a moment arrived with unimaginable force. What began as a search for answers to a small child’s severe headaches quickly escalated into a crisis that would upend the structure of the entire McRae family.
Within the span of a single day, two members of the household received life-altering cancer diagnoses, setting in motion a difficult medical journey filled with uncertainty, determination, and hope. The emotional weight of receiving such news twice in the same 24 hours is something the family describes as surreal, a moment that felt disconnected from ordinary reality. Yet amid the shock, they have tried to uphold the rhythms of family life, clinging to traditions and the promise of healing as they face weeks and months of treatment.
A Dual Diagnosis That Changed Everything
The McRae family’s sudden descent into crisis began when young Jamon developed unrelenting and severe headaches. Concerned by the escalation of his symptoms, his parents, Britney McRae and Jake, brought him to an emergency room in Medford, a city in southern Oregon. There, doctors discovered a mass in his brain that they initially believed to be a benign cyst. The finding was serious enough to require immediate medical intervention, prompting a complex 15-hour surgery aimed at removing the growth.
It was only after the operation that a devastating revelation emerged: the mass was not benign at all, but instead an aggressively malignant tumor known as an Ependymoma. Ependymomas, though rare, are particularly dangerous because they form in the brain or spinal cord and can be difficult to access surgically.
Chantal McRae, Jamon’s aunt, later explained that the surgical team had faced immense challenges during the operation, eventually calling it one of the hardest procedures they had ever attempted. Despite their skill, it was not possible to remove the entire tumor without risking catastrophic neurological harm. The surgeons succeeded in extracting the majority of the mass, but one percent—positioned on the brainstem—remained too perilous to remove.
While the family tried to process the implications of Jamon’s diagnosis, they were suddenly confronted with another shocking blow. On the same day as her son’s medical crisis, Britney McRae visited her oncologist for a separate health concern. She had previously experienced an eight-week molar pregnancy, a rare complication in which abnormal tissue forms inside the uterus.
Although such pregnancies are uncommon, they sometimes lead to further medical issues if the molar tissue continues to grow. During her appointment, Britney McRae learned that her condition had progressed into Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia, a rare cancer originating from the abnormal cells of that pregnancy. The diagnosis meant she would need chemotherapy to halt the progression of the disease, beginning her own course of cancer treatment at the exact moment her son was starting his.
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The crushing coincidence of these diagnoses rattled every member of the family. Chantal described the experience as surreal, reflecting the bewildering nature of hearing such news twice in a single day, for two of the people she loves most. The family found themselves navigating two separate medical paths, each filled with its own fears and hopes, and each demanding intense emotional and practical support.
Medical Battles and Moments of Hope
In the days that followed, the McRaes found themselves moving between hospitals, specialists, and treatment plans, trying to balance the needs of both mother and son. Jamon’s first surgery, though only partially successful in completely eliminating the tumor, marked the beginning of a long and complex recovery. The young boy faced additional procedures, including a follow-up surgery intended to stabilize the area around the tumor site.
This led to temporary neurological side effects, including difficulty controlling his right eye. His family described him talking about “two daddies” and “two TVs,” incidents that were both concerning and strangely endearing. Doctors have reassured the family that these symptoms are expected to fade as he continues to recover.
Jamon’s treatment plan now includes a minimum of six weeks of radiation therapy, a critical step in targeting the remnants of the tumor left behind. Depending on how his body responds, he may also undergo chemotherapy afterward. Each phase of treatment presents new challenges for a child so young, yet his family reports that his resilience has been remarkable.
Throughout the ordeal, Jamon has continued to express enthusiasm for the things he loves, particularly the Christmas season. His excitement for the holiday became a guiding light for the family, prompting them to return home between surgeries to decorate and restore a sense of normalcy.
For Britney McRae, beginning chemotherapy while caring for a child undergoing his own cancer treatment introduced an additional layer of complexity. Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia is known to be treatable, and in many cases, patients respond well to carefully planned chemotherapy regimens. Britney McRae’s diagnosis, though frightening, carries a strong possibility of recovery. Her family continues to support her as she manages the physical demands of treatment while also trying to remain present for Jamon.
Although the simultaneous diagnoses have forced the family into circumstances few could imagine, they have approached their situation with determination and hope. They have been buoyed in part by the kindness of their community. Loved ones, neighbors, and strangers have offered encouragement, financial help, and logistical assistance, demonstrating how acts of generosity can make an extraordinary difference during times of crisis.
Community Support and the Determination to Keep Moving Forward
The McRaes’ situation has drawn significant attention and support, not only locally but from people across the country. Recognizing the overwhelming medical and travel expenses that accompany treatment, Britney McRae’s brother, Zachary Flores, established a GoFundMe fundraiser to help relieve some of the family’s financial burden.
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Because Jamon receives treatment at Primary Children’s Hospital in Stanford, California, the family must frequently travel between Medford and Stanford, adding to the stress and cost of an already challenging situation. As of Monday afternoon, donations had exceeded $87,000, a result that left the family deeply moved.
Chantal expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support, noting that the response has reaffirmed her belief in the goodness still present in the world. She emphasized that such generosity has given the family strength during an otherwise painful period. It has also reminded them that they are not alone in their struggle, despite the deeply personal nature of the challenges they face.
Looking ahead, the McRaes remain cautiously hopeful. Doctors have given encouraging feedback regarding both Britney McRae’s and Jamon’s prognoses, and the family continues to cling to the possibility of positive outcomes. Though Jamon has endured extremely difficult procedures and will continue with radiation treatments, he has already demonstrated small signs of progress. His parents and relatives take comfort in every improvement, no matter how small, as it signals movement in the right direction.
One hopeful milestone stands out prominently on the family’s calendar: Christmas. The holiday holds special meaning for Jamon, and his family is determined to give him the opportunity to celebrate at home if his health allows. The decorations they put up between hospital visits symbolize not only a tradition he loves, but a promise—that even amid hardship, the warmth and wonder of childhood will not be taken from him.
For Britney McRae, the journey ahead also contains reasons for optimism. Her condition, though serious, is treatable, and she has already begun the necessary course of therapy. With strong medical guidance and ongoing support, she is expected to move steadily through her treatments. Her focus remains on healing while also being present for her son, balancing her own vulnerability with her desire to remain a source of comfort during his recovery.
The path forward for the McRae family is not easy and will likely include moments of uncertainty. Yet what defines their story most is not only the weight of their diagnoses, but the resilience that has carried them through each day. With unwavering community support, steadfast medical care, and a shared hope that continues to guide them, they are confronting one of the most difficult trials a family can face. The possibility that Jamon may return home in time for Christmas stands as a symbol of their determination and the healing they continue to strive toward, step by step, together.