Defeating Cancer, He Became a Star Player on the High School Team!

By: Sunflower Children's Author: Huang Shi Editor: Zhengty Date: December 22, 2024

Winning a football game made Jerett Fauser feel better than ever.

On Friday night, after a 40-0 victory against Elmwood at Whitney Field, Jerett played a crucial role as the starting wide receiver and quarterback for the Farmington team. And beyond the field, Jerett also achieved victory in his battle against childhood cancer.

Jerett on the Field

From Leukemia Patient to Straight-A Student

At three years old, Jerett was just like any other healthy, normal boy. He loved playing in the dirt and riding in trucks. But in the summer of 2010, his mother, Jenny, noticed that her son had lost his desire to run and jump; he seemed to lack his usual energy—even losing the motivation to participate in gym class. He appeared to only want to sit on the swings.

The family took Jerett to see pediatricians four times, but the diagnoses ranged from viruses to allergies, with no improvement in Jerett’s condition. Finally, after a blood draw in the emergency room that led to a hospital stay, they finally received some answers.

After a bone marrow biopsy, Jerett was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and they were told they needed to head immediately to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Tennessee.

"We only had about an hour to pack, fly out, and get our lives in order before leaving." For the next few months, Tennessee became a second home for Jerett and his family as he underwent multiple nine-week treatments at St. Jude Hospital.

Cancer treatment was incredibly tough for such a young child, leading to a loss of immunity and making him susceptible to infections. "There were a few times when his condition was critical," Jenny said, "because he had run out of medication options."

Jerett spent three and a half years traveling to St. Jude Hospital weekly, undergoing 20 spinal taps (one of which caused his breathing to stop) and aggressive treatment to eliminate every cancer cell.

After all this, Jerett transitioned from frequent visits to St. Jude to just once a year for check-ups. By the age of 12, no cancer cells were found in his body, and he is now a straight-A student in high school.

Jerett with Friends

A Remarkable Fighter in the Hospital and on the Field!

Outside of academics, Jerett continues to participate in fundraising for St. Jude. Over the years, through bake sales held at family football games, soccer tournaments, fishing contests, and sliding events over the past nine years, he has raised more than $200,000 for children with tumors.

Especially on the football field, you would never guess that Jerett had once battled cancer. This 5-foot-11, 140-pound player is a tough and speedy athlete.

In the game against Elmwood, he showcased his keen sense for the ball, making two interceptions and scoring on a pick-six in the second quarter! “He is an energetic player,” said Varlas, head coach of the Farmington team. “He gives it his all. People often say, ‘It’s not the size of the dog in the fight that matters, but the size of the fight in the dog,’ and that’s Jerett in my eyes.”

Jerett on the Field

Defeating his rival school and wrapping up his high school season while competing alongside friends from both teams made Jerett feel very special. “I feel lucky,” he said. “We perform well every year, so the legend of Farmington continues. To be able to play under the lights with friends, with the entire team supporting me behind me—it's an amazing feeling, and I’m proud to be a part of it!”

Jenny said, “After going through something like this, sometimes we even wonder, will he make it to his next birthday? Will he be able to do these things with his friends? But at least now, seeing him able to play football healthily, we feel very fortunate!”

Jerett feels the same way: “I have a great family, good friends, and everyone who supports me.” Most importantly, Jerett makes those he loves proud.

Jerett with Friends

Original Link:

https://www.pjstar.com/story/sports/high-school/football/2024/09/28/farmington-football-player-jerett-fauser-overcomes-childhood-cancer/75412899007/

Source | Journal Star

Image Source | Instagram

Translation | Huang Shi