The woman battles glioblastoma during her inspiring fight against seven types of cancer while staying upbeat.
June is National Cancer Survivors Month. Lainie Jones, known as “The Early Detective” on Instagram, was diagnosed with seven different types of cancer.
This incredible woman developed her very first cancer at just 18 months old. One organization in Houston is now helping her and other survivors as she keeps a fighting spirit.
With a bubbly personality to match, it’s no wonder 41-year-old Lainie Jones keeps smiling.
“I laugh a lot. I laugh a lot through it. Attitude is 90% of the battle. And truly, you know, I always say, if you live in fear, you’re not living,” Jones said .
Lainie is once again in the battle of her life.
“I can’t sit here and cry because cancer is going to win,” said Jones.
The most recent cancer Lainie is dealing with can have effects on her cognitive abilities.
“Glioblastoma is a form of brain cancer. That’s a very aggressive form of brain cancer,” said Jones.
Lainie was previously diagnosed with six types of cancers, including breast and lung cancer.
“I’m human too. I have my days,” said Jones.
As soon as she beat one cancer, another would pop up — something they were able to catch thanks to early detection testing.
“It’s so important to me that people don’t ignore a sign that could, you know, be detrimental to their life,” said Jones.
As she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, doctors determined she had Li-Fraumeni syndrome, a rare genetic condition that increases the risk of forming cancer.
“I get a whole-body MRI every three months. So, we come to Houston every three months, back and forth.”
Lainie lives in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, but has been coming with her husband to MD Anderson for the last 15 years for cancer treatments.
“So we’re basically Houstonians,” said Jones.
While Lainie is getting 25 rounds of radiation at MD Anderson, she’ll be staying at the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge Houston for free.
“I cried because honestly, this is such a weight off mine and my husband’s chest that we didn’t have to pay to live here,” said Jones.
The Assistant General Manager of Hope Lodge in Houston said they are providing free rooms and services to at least 120 cancer patients.
“We offer shuttle rides and there’s no cost to the guests. So, we help them commute to and from the lodge to their appointments,” said Torrien Collins, the assistant general manager at Hope Lodge Houston.
For Lainie, this is all full circle because of the fact that she not only works for the American Cancer Society, but she used to work for Hope Lodge in New York, too.
“I always say when you wake up, that’s a gift, right? And you know, you can’t let cancer get the best of you,” said Jones.
Now Lainie is the gift that keeps on giving through her positive attitude despite a tough road ahead.