03/05/2026
While an amazing day of music, family, friends, and remembrance will be awesome, this is the real reason we’re doing it. All proceeds from Jeff’s Day 2026 will go directly to Jessica Armstrong and family to help in their time of need:
On May 5, 2025, my 8-year-old son, Rashad, was diagnosed with stage IV rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive pediatric soft tissue cancer. The primary tumor originated in his foot and had already metastasized to his lungs when we caught it, significantly increasing the complexity of his diagnosis and treatment. Rashad receives ongoing care at Riley Hospital for Children, where he is followed by a pediatric oncology team.
Following his cancer diagnosis, Rashad was also diagnosed with Li-Fraumeni syndrome, a rare inherited genetic condition that greatly increases the lifetime risk of developing multiple cancers. Li-Fraumeni syndrome is caused by a mutation in the TP53 gene, which normally helps the body suppress tumor growth. This diagnosis means Rashad will require lifelong cancer surveillance, frequent imaging, and careful monitoring even beyond his current treatment.
Rashad undergoes weekly chemotherapy treatments, with planned inpatient hospital admissions every third week due to the intensity of his regimen. He also completed daily radiation therapy throughout the month of December.
As a single mother of two, managing a high-intensity pediatric cancer treatment schedule requires constant coordination, emotional strength, and adaptability. Our family continues to navigate work, extended hospital stays, frequent appointments, school and extra curricular schedules, and the uncertainty that accompanies his diagnosis.
While the road ahead remains serious, Rashad’s resilience and determination, combined with the support of family, friends, community, and his medical team, sustain our family as we move forward one day at a time.