There are trials in life that could easily steal a person’s joy, but Jayden Bailey was not someone who let hardships dull his shine. After noticing an unusual lump on his shoulder while playing basketball, Jayden was diagnosed with sarcoma at just thirteen years old. Although Jayden faced obstacles, he lived his life with purpose that made a difference and never let cancer define him.

Throughout his battle with cancer, Jayden relied heavily on his faith in Christ. On Jayden’s hardest days, he would say, “This medicine can’t help me, but God can.” His faith was evident in how he lived his life and loved others, impacting many of his friends to look to the Lord too. When asked about his qualities, Jayden’s mother, London Elie-Wright shared, “Jayden loved everyone. Even on the days he didn’t feel well, he wouldn’t show it around others because he didn’t want anyone to feel down. He was so kind and always put himself second.”

Through many hospital stays and difficult news, Jayden always wanted to go right back to school to be with his friends and basketball teammates. His joy was so genuine and his smile so constant that most people would never have known the weight of the diagnosis he faced. Just after he underwent an arm amputation because of his cancer, Jayden volunteered at the 22^nd annual Sherry’s Run 5K to put out barriers for the course. “Sherry’s Hope helped us so much during Jayden’s battle and he wasn’t going to miss out on the opportunity to give back,” explained London, “In fact, I went into his room the morning of the run and he had already left to volunteer. Jayden never missed the opportunity to be a part of something that made a difference.”

Jayden’s mom marveled at his final month of life. “He was still Jayden- talking and being funny,” said London. She shared, “Jayden taught me to be thankful and to not let the storms in life keep you from living. That lingers with me still on the days when all I want to do is cry. I keep going because I know Jayden wouldn’t want me to shut down.”

Jayden Bailey passed away on February 19, 2026, at seventeen years old. Through his unwavering faith, joyful spirit, and courageous battle with cancer, Jayden touched countless lives in Lebanon, Tennessee, and far beyond. His story inspired our community, and his legacy continues to shine. The Sherry’s Hope organization invites you to join us at the 23rd Annual Sherry’s Run 5K Run/Walk to benefit Sherry’s Hope on September 12^th, which will be held in memory of Jayden Bailey.

To learn more about the Sherry’s Run 5K event, visit www.sherrysrun.org, call 615-925- 2592, or email info@sherryshope.org. To learn more about Sherry’s Hope programs and services, visit www.sherryshope.org, call 615-925-9932, or email help@sherryshope.org. To donate to Sherry’s Hope, visit www.sherryshope.org, or mail donations to Sherry’s Hope, P.O. Box 8, Lebanon, TN 37088-0008.

Sherry’s Hope is a Christian, non-profit organization that works throughout the year to provide hope to families battling cancer in Wilson County and surrounding communities by offering emotional encouragement and financial assistance. In addition, Sherry’s Hope works to spread colon health awareness by distributing free colon cancer screening tests.