An Oregon family’s world was transformed in a single, devastating day. When 4-year-old Jamon McRae was diagnosed with cancer, his mother, Britney, learned she had the same disease — just hours apart. Now, millions across the country are rallying behind them, praying for their recovery.
The McRae family had been living an ordinary life in Oregon — parents Britney and Jake raising their three young children, navigating the everyday rhythms of work, school, and family — until one unpredictable day last month changed everything.
It began when Jamon, their energetic 4-year-old, suddenly started experiencing intense headaches. Concerned, the family rushed him to the hospital, unaware of the heartbreaking news to come.
“Our 4-year-old started complaining of headaches. I mean, they weren’t terrible. But they kind of ramped up for the next few days and became pretty bad,” father Jake McRae recalled.
After an MRI and multiple emergency room visits, doctors discovered a tumor pressing against Jamon’s brainstem, compressing vital structures inside his head.
Mother and son diagnosed with cancer on the same day
Jamon was sent to Stanford, where a surgical team performed a grueling 15-hour operation to remove most of the tumor. But the pathology report delivered even more devastating news: he would need a second major surgery, followed by radiation and chemotherapy.
“Initially, they were thinking it was a benign one, and the pathology came back on the 5th, saying it was cancer — an aggressive malignant type of brain tumor,” Jake said.
Then came a second unthinkable blow.
On the very same day Jamon was diagnosed, Britney received her own life-altering news.
“The exact same day that we met with or established with oncology for my 4-year-old, she established oncology with her oncologist — like the appointments were an hour apart,” Jake said.
Britney has since begun chemotherapy, while her siblings launched a GoFundMe campaign to support the overwhelmed family.
“Their home is full of love, laughter, and the kind of joyful chaos that comes with three little ones. Right now, they’re facing the unimaginable — a mother and son beginning their fight against cancer,” the page reads.
New update
As of November 20, the fundraiser has collected more than $70,000. A November 18 update shared how both Jamon and Britney are coping.
“Last night, Jamon came out of his second major surgery. He woke up feeling understandably grumpy and uncomfortable, and he’s dealing with some post-operative complications that his doctors are carefully monitoring. The doctors believe these symptoms are most likely due to irritated nerves from surgery, which has been a point of hope for everyone as we wait for more information,” the family wrote.
The update continued: “Britney also began her chemotherapy yesterday. It was a slow and difficult start after three blown veins during IV attempts — all while worrying about her little guy in surgery.”
The page noted that their story had been featured on local news, generating more support: “Thank you again for surrounding them with so much love. Your prayers and messages continue to give them strength during an unimaginably hard time. We cannot thank you enough!”
Our thoughts and prayers remain with the McRae family as they face this unimaginable journey together.
