For four years, 13-year-old elite track and cross country star Jalen Thayer had worn a pink ribbon tied to his running shoe at every competition he attended. It was a simple reminder of his little sister, Breanna, who tragically succumbed to brain cancer when she was just four years old. For Jalen, it was a way to include her in all his racing victories, including fifth place pentathlon at the 2008 National Junior Olympic Championships.
A Terrible Blow
In July 2009, Jalen’s journey as one of the top youth athletes in the nation was abruptly cut short when he was, like his little sister, diagnosed with a brain tumor. His family and friends were devastated by this unexpected blow.
A Friend’s Plan to Help
A friend from his former track team, 13-year-old Justin Spivey, desperately wanted to help his friend. Jalen’s mom, Jennifer, began a blog about Jalen’s journey (www.jalensjourney.org)
Ribbons for Jalen
Throughout this past cross country season, Justin has worn a pink ribbon. Now, he is asking the entire USATF (USA Track & Field) Southern California Association members to wear pink ribbons on their shoes when they compete at the upcoming Junior Olympic qualifying meets on November 15 and 22, 2009, and on through Nationals for those that qualify.
“To have hundreds of athletes competing wearing pink ribbons on their shoes would be awesome,” says Justin. “It would be a great way to show Jalen our support. We can’t wait for him to come back.”
Back at Home
Jalen is now home after spending many months in the hospital. Though surgery has removed the tumor, Jalen still needs continuous monitoring and observation. Throughout his ordeal, he has remained the same positive, upbeat kid. He’s fighting cancer with the same winning attitude that helped him achieve so many victories as a cross-country and track star.
For more information about Jalen’s journey, please visit his website at www.jalensjourney.org. To learn more about Justin Spivey’s efforts to have all USATF athletes’ wear pink ribbons in support of Jalen, and in memory of Breanna, please contact Maria Spivey.
