By Vernon Robison
Moapa Valley Progress
Pretty Jenna Jackson is all set to start third grade at Grant Bowler Elementary in Logandale on Monday and she’s about as happy as a little girl can be.
Although the first day back to school after summer is almost always fun and exciting, for too many it’s no big deal. You know, end of vacation, seeing old friends, making new ones, fresh pencils, clean notebooks, a new teacher, yawn.
For Jenna, however, starting third grade this year is blissful and special; very, very special.
Jenna and her family learned earlier this month that after a grueling year fighting brain cancer that included missing school all last year, undergoing terrifying surgery, and punishing, debilitating bouts of radiation and chemotherapy, Jenna’s latest tests were clear.
“Her August MRI scans were clear, there was no sign of cancer,” said a thrilled Dione Jackson, Jenna’s mom. “We couldn’t be happier.”
The “we” include dad Joe, brother Logan, 10, and big sister Makayla, 13.
Jenna was 7 on July 1, 2009, when she was diagnosed with brain cancer. She underwent surgery within 48 hours, underwent radiation treatments and started radiation chemotherapy shortly thereafter. The treatments were horrific.
“After getting the chemo, Jenna had to get shots to help her get her white blood count back up,” Dione said. “The shots were terrible. She thought they were the worst part about everything.”
Nevertheless, Jenna had a terrific attitude through it all, Dione said. She received a lot of support from a lot of different people including many local people.
Dione said the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation was especially helpful. The organization matches pediatric brain tumor patients with college sports teams based on geographic location. The UNLV Rebel women’s softball team was matched with Jenna.
During a special day on her behalf last year the team showered Jenna with special UNLV gear including a jacket, glove, softball, No. 50 jersey and, of course, a ball cap, which is going to be especially helpful this school year.
“We’ve already made arrangements with the school so Jenna can wear a hat to school until her hair grows back out,” Dione said. “Of course she picked her UNLV ball cap.
“We’re so thankful and appreciative for all the love and support we received during our very difficult time,” Dione said. “We’ll be forever grateful to all those who participated in helping Jenna and the family get through this.”
Jenna said going back to school is something she has really been looking forward to and getting a clear MRI is wonderful.
“I’m glad it’s over, being home all the time (missing school) sucks,” she bluntly explains. “You don’t get to see your friends.”
Dione said the first month or so at school will really be a test, “to see what she can do, how well she can tolerate everything.”
“The heat really bothers her,” she continued.
The main hope now is that Jenna will do well in school and continue to make progress.
She wants to be a vet when she grows up, and you can’t be a vet without third grade.
