Jaiwen's Story
“I’m the lucky one.” Gratitude in the face of a life-threatening disease.
The diagnosis was shocking: Jaiwen had bone cancer. There was no choice where to go next, according to the orthopedist who shared the news with his parents: “You need to get to Children’s National, because that’s the best place for him.”
Jaiwen had surgery and chemotherapy for the affected leg. The required treatment was drastic enough that Jaiwen had to relearn how to walk. His goal was to recover in time to walk on the first day of school – and with hard work, he did just that.
The family says the staff at Children’s were a constant source of comfort and inspiration. “All the nurses and doctors supported me and they encouraged me and they told me that it was okay, and that really brought back a lot of hope,” Jaiwen said.
His mom added, “I will always remember Children’s National as a place that was like a second home to us. The doctors there saved Jaiwen’s life.”
Jaiwen now describes his experience publicly with the intention of raising awareness. “I try to spread my story in hopes that it will encourage others to help other sick children like me. I used to ask ‘Why did this happen to me?’ But now I realize I’m one of the lucky ones.”