About Jayda
Jayda Dionne Parker was born March 20, 1985. In some ways, she lived a typical life. She graduated from high school, finished college and then got a job. However, in retrospect Jayda was an extraordinary person who had an amazing impression on many lives.
Jayda demonstrated the characteristics of a hard worker at a young age. The year before she began school one of her older cousins would tease Jayda that he could read but she couldn't. On Jayda's first day of school, she came home crying. When asked what was wrong Jayda replied, "They didn't teach me to read."
Since that time, Jayda strove hard to do her best. Whether it was competing in tennis as a little girl; singing in the children's choir; performing with Kick Steps Little Pro Taps; being a multiple first place runner in the 100-meter dash and 4x100 relay as a pre-teen; playing first chair flute in her high school concert band; performing as a member of FAMU Marching Band; receiving the 2008 Vision Award for high achievement from FAMU's School of Communications; or working as a Production Editor for ESPN Sports Network, in Bristol, CT.
Throughout Jayda's life, she was a friend's friend. No matter where she lived--Massachusetts, Washington DC, Georgia, Florida, or Connecticut, Jayda developed life-long friendships. Her warm smile, engaging personality, and physical presence would draw you to her; and make you feel like you've always known her... like a childhood friend. And Jayda's friendships had no bounds--religiously, socially, or racially.
"She was always helpful; and helped with enthusiasm..."
In high school and college, Jayda helped her friends and classmates. One of her best friends commented that "I was a year older than Jayda. But if it wasn't for her, I wouldn't have graduated. In my Senior year, Jayda would drag me to the library every morning before school and help me study. Huh... I just wanted to hang out." One of Jayda's college professors says, "I could really depend on Jayda to help tutor some of the Freshman students. She was always helpful, and helped with enthusiasm--never complaining or asking for pay. She was unselfish." In this spirit, Jayda also volunteered at the YMCA, the Big Sisters of America, and other public service organizations. In 2010, while working at ESPN, Jayda was diagnosed with colon cancer. Though stunned by the news, she courageously underwent a colon resection, spent a few months recovering; and after receiving multiple clear reports, returned to work at ESPN. Jayda didn't miss a beat. Her co-workers and friends were inspired by her recovery and positive attitude--topped with a smile. A close friend remarked, "If you didn't know, you wouldn't realize Jayda was a cancer survivor." And truth be told, Jayda looked beautiful; and was full of spirit and optimism about the future.
"She also didn't lose her optimism, determination, and infectious smile."
In 2011, Jayda was looking good and feeling just as well physically and mentally. However, she was anxious. It was a little over a year since her last appointment with her oncologist. He moved his chair towards Jayda. "Ms. Parker," he said with a flush look on his face, "I've reviewed the scans and there appears to be a couple of spots on your liver."
Emotionally, Jayda later reflected, she was petrified. "I felt trapped... like I couldn't breathe." Jayda's parents, who were next to her, reached over to hug and comfort her.
The oncologist showed Jayda and her parents the exams; and recommended that Jayda undergo treatment which involved a liver resection and chemotherapy. Jayda agreed. So, that day she made her first visit to the cancer center's fusion area and began chemotherapy.
Jayda experienced some of the common side effects of chemotherapy such as nausea and fatigue. Surprisingly however she didn't have any noticeable hair loss. She also didn't lose her optimism, determination, and infectious smile. During one chemotherapy session, there was a fellow cancer fighter who was having a terribly hard time with her treatment and was verbally expressing her struggle. When she saw Jayda also undergoing chemotherapy and flashing that remarkable smile, the woman paused for a moment--you could see her eyes lighten and her mood soften. "I'm so sorry," the woman said apologetically." Jayda smiled as if to say, "no need to apologize... I understand." The woman returned the smile and turned toward the gentleman accompanying her. "She's beautiful and just as brave."
Following the chemotherapy treatments, Jayda underwent liver resection. After about four hours, the surgeon walked into the waiting room... "Mr. and Mrs. Parker, the surgery was a success." Likewise, Jayda's recovery was remarkable. Within hours following surgery, Jayda was walking the halls of the hospital... albeit slowly; but nonetheless walking. A few days later she checked out of the hospital, and shortly thereafter began another round of chemotherapy.
"From 2010 to 2013, Jayda fought three courageous battles with colon cancer, liver cancer, and colon cancer once more."
After several weeks of treatment, Jayda's scans and blood work didn't show any detectable levels of cancer. Jayda was relieved. But she'd learned to view such news with caution. Jayda's oncologist suggested quarterly exams and she agreed. So every three to four weeks Jayda had a scan, and at each visit the results were good. During this period, Jayda worked out, managed her diet; and spent time enjoying her family, friends, and life. Now it was Jayda's fourth exam since her last treatment.
From 2010 to 2013, Jayda fought three courageous battles with colon cancer, liver cancer, and colon cancer once more. She underwent colon resection, liver resection, and various cycles of chemotherapy with many clear reports in between. She never let cancer define who she was or rule the way she lived her life. She worked when she was able, strove for good fitness and health, traveled to various cities, volunteered to help others at Grady Memorial Hospital, and never stopped smiling or laughing.