Rising Stars: Meet Br’yana Jones

Today we’d like to introduce you to Br’yana Jones.

Hi Br’yana, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am a 34-year-old mother of 2. I was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer on 4/21/2021, after 17 rounds of chemo and 3 surgeries I am blessed to say I have been in remission since July 2022. Since being diagnosed, it has become my passion to spread awareness as well as being that little bit of hope others who are battling need to ensure them that with every diagnosis, there is a chance to fight through it.

I started a nonprofit called Survivors Hope and I will be having my first event “kick ball for a cause” where I will be fundraising to help a few families with financial assistance. This is a family/kid-friendly event that will be held on March 18th, 2023 at St. Bernard high school in light of colon cancer awareness month. At the moment, I have over 300 registered attendees. There will be plenty of games and fun for all who attend. We will be bringing awareness to all cancer types. We are in partnership with 501c3 holder Pretty women pray not prey as well as grammy winning artist Anderson Paaks foundation Paak House.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
This has been a very difficult journey for me. When I was first diagnosed I had just turn 33 and I was really enjoying life. Cancer is hard, it comes with a lot of ups and downs and even with being in remission. The effect that chemo has on your body is harsh, not only is cancer a physically battle the mental battle is 10 times worst than the actual disease. Imagine waking up every day think and feeling like your one step closer to your life ending. Cancer is a death sentence for a lot of people. I remember the doctors telling me I had between 1 to 3 years to live. I woke up every day for the first few months thinking “Okay, I went from 365 days left to now I have 364. I started to count a lot of my time instead of actually living and enjoying the time I still had.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’d like to say I’m a jack of all trades. I have been doing hair since I was in elementary. I love doing hair, the connection I have with my clients took me away from cancer a majority of the time. I have been having back-to-school events where I supply kids in need with a free hairstyles, backpacks with school supplies, mani and pedis, food and more. I also have been working at UCLA for 16 years assisting with patient care. The thing I am most proud of has got to be my nonprofit “Survivors hope”. I created survivors hope to enhance the quality of life for cancer patients and their families. By that, I mean assisting them with meals, rides to appointments, things to help with side effects, or financial assistance. I know all of the things I felt like would of helped me so I want to be able to make life easier for others who have a cancer diagnosis. I think what makes me different is I’ve actually battled stage 4 cancer, I know everything I needed and everything I felt. I know how it affected my kids, love life, friends and family. It’s hard looking at the ones you love and watching them worry cause they feel like they might lose you.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @survivorshopeevent
• Other: @longlegsbry