Jarrod Smith Family

I am writing on behalf of Jarrod Smith and his family who are in need of help following the determination that his daughter has cancer. 


Here is their situation.

Brook Smith is nine years old and was born on November 9, 2007 to Jarrod Smith and Candice Ryals.  She was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma cancer one week after her ninth birthday.  The tumor is located in the soft tissue of her left leg just below the kneecap and is affecting the nerve and blood vessels in her foot and lower leg.  A full body scan has also revealed a spot in one of her lungs - which is not unexpected for this type of cancer.  Brook is scheduled to begin chemotherapy in Jackson, Mississippi here shortly and her response to the initial treatments will determine how the doctors handle the spot in her lungs - but for now they need to address the tumor in her leg while watching how the spot in her lung responds to the initial chemo treatments.  Depending on how the tumor(s) respond to chemo, radiation and/or surgery may become necessary down the road to try and remove as much of the tumor(s) as possible.  The doctors have advised the family that this will be a “long haul’ with the chemo treatments expected to last anywhere between twelve and eighteen months, depending on her response to the treatments.  She will be in the hospital in Jackson for most of this time.  This will be followed by approximately three and one-half years of monthly checkups.  During this time, Jarrod and Candice will need to be away from their respective homes in Ellisville to be by Brook’s side during this entire process.

Jarrod previously worked in the oilfield but was laid- off in conjunction with the downturn in the oil/gas industry that began in late 2015.  He has since started his own small construction company but is now faced with spending time away from home and his job in order to be with his daughter in Jackson while she is in the hospital.  Aside from the obvious medical expenses, there will also be travel/living expenses associated with an extended stay away from home and work while Jarrod and Candice both provide physical and emotional support to Brook during her medical ordeal.

I have started this campaign voluntarily with the approval of Jarrod.  I am not exactly sure what has compelled me to offer my assistance to a family many thousands of miles away, perhaps it is the season - a time when we are reminded of the true meaning of Christmas and the joy that comes from selfless giving by helping others in need.  Perhaps it is because a little girl has a serious illness, faces a long battle in a strange environment, and needs to know that there are people out there who support her in this fight and are willing to help her fight the battle.

In any event, I would humbly ask that you consider donating to the Smith Family in order to help them deal with the unexpected financial burdens associated with Brooks’ condition and ensure that they are able to provide the care and emotional support she will need during these difficult times.  Any financial help that you can provide in this regard will be sincerely appreciated along with your thoughts and prayers for Brook in the following months.  I would also ask that you share this story with your friends on the various socil media sites and help us to ensure that Brook receives the treatment and emotional support that she needs to overcome this disease.


THANK YOU!