04/16/2026
I was able to be down in Oxford for the Ole Miss Relay for Life last weekend.
Given its student leadership, this event is particularly inspiring and close to my heart. Seeing our next generation take on planning and serving their community for a great cause like this is rewarding to witness.
Spending time with Jess, a key member of the campus leadership team, was an added bonus. Her speech about her own cancer journey brought back memories & emotions from 2016 when I witnessed her strength as a 12 year old firsthand as cancer impacted our lives that first time almost a decade ago.
Her courage & resilience as a young girl then facing cancer so bravely was inspiring and her determination to support others facing similar situations comes from that part of her life. I’m proud of her willingness to serve, lead, share, and give back while using her own journey to bring light to important causes in our world.
Being her mom & a cancer survivor alongside her is an honor; she will always be my hero.
Love,
Jo (Jess’s mom)