Bill and Jana Bryant lived and worked in Star Valley for decades and raised a family in the area. Now living in Moorcroft, Wyoming, their granddaughter has developed heath challenges revolving around her eyesight.
“Jaycee Mae was born August 19, 2024 to Bill and I’s youngest daughter, Sara, and her husband Jacob,” Jana stated in a conversation with SVI. “She is the little sister to three-year old Aidan. In November, Sara and I noticed something odd about Jaycee’s left eye. In December, just days before Christmas at the Denver Children’s Hospital, she was diagnosed with a rare cancer of the eye, Retinoblastoma.”
This cancer affects between 250-300 children in the United States each year and according to doctors, the tumor had been growing since before shows even born and had taken up to 80-percent of her eye. Jaycee Mae’s eye was removed the day after the tumor was found and replaced with a prosthetic eye and clear lens.
At this point, the family and doctors felt the cancer was gone. But at a February appointment, a tumor was found in her right eye.
“This one was much smaller than the one in her left eye,” Bryant said. “They were given three options for treatment at that point. One, remove the eye, two, intravenous chemo straight into her eye which comes with risks of blood clots, embolism, and the eye collapsing; and three, chemo on her whole body, which would make her lose her hearing.”
According to Bryant, by the time Jaycee’s March appointment came, doctors used a laser procedure on the tumor known as Focal Macular Laser. This process was also used on a suspicious spot.
After a DNA test it was determined that Jaycee also has tuberous sclerosis.
“This makes her more susceptible to get tumors on her eyes, heart, brain, kidneys and other vital organs,” Bryant said. “The MRI checked for other tumors and came back clear.”
At this point, Jaycee will continue to have check ups and EUA’s, (Exam Under Anesthesia) on a monthly basis. Each of these exams is billed at $19,000. As she grows there will also be needs for prosthetic and lens replacements multiple times.
“We are holding a benefit here in Moorcroft at the end of this month and have accounts opened at 1st Bank, Pinnacle Bank and ANB Bank across the state for any donations,” Bryant said. “We are also have a silent and live auction if anyone throughout the valley would like to donate something that way they can.”
Jaycee’s uncle Alex, who lives and works locally here in Star Valley is taking items to Moorcroft on March 27 if donations would like to be made.
“We are so thankful for all the support we have already been given but this sweet baby girl has along road ahead.”
