Lebanon junior basketball player Jayden Bailey dies at 17
Lebanon High School junior Jayden Bailey, a member of the Blue Devils basketball team, passed away on Thursday after a courageous four-year battle with osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. The news was confirmed by head coach Jim McDowell.
A Community Mourns
Bailey’s passing came just two days after the Lebanon City Council and Mayor Rick Bell formally recognized his inspiring fight, declaring February 17th as Jayden Bailey Day. Coach McDowell, assistant coach Taylor McCollister, and several senior players attended the city council meeting to accept the honor on Bailey’s behalf.
The Diagnosis and Fight
Bailey first received a diagnosis of osteosarcoma in June 2022. His mother, London Elie, noticed an unusual protrusion on his left shoulder, leading to 39 weeks of chemotherapy at Vanderbilt’s Monroe Carell Jr. Hospital. This treatment unfortunately caused him to miss his entire eighth-grade basketball season.
Despite facing immense challenges, Bailey underwent a left-arm amputation in August after losing feeling in his arm during a game in December 2024. Remarkably, he returned to school and the basketball court just five days after the surgery, even starting in the home opener against Brentwood three months later during a Coaches vs. Cancer night.
Community Support
The Lebanon basketball programme rallied around Bailey, raising over $1,800 for his family during the Coaches vs. Cancer night. A GoFundMe account was also established, quickly reaching its $5,500 goal.
A Difficult Prognosis and Lasting Impact
In October, doctors Scott Borinstein and Tracy Hills at Vanderbilt informed Bailey and his family that the cancer had spread to his stomach from his lungs, and hospice care was discussed. Even with this devastating news, Bailey continued to participate in games with the Blue Devils.
Bailey eloquently expressed his love for the game, stating in December, “Basketball is something that’s always been there for me… I want to continue to do this for as long as I can. It’s something that I love to do. I know there are other kids that can’t do things they want to do… I still have one arm and it wouldn’t be fair to them if I didn’t keep playing.”
Lebanon Councilor Chris Crowell, inspired by Bailey’s faith and resilience after hearing him speak at a Living Sent Ministries luncheon, spearheaded the city’s recognition. Crowell recalled Bailey joking that his jump shot improved even after the amputation.
Coach McDowell emphasized Bailey’s deep connection to the city, stating, “He’s a Lebanon kid. He’s grown up here. He’s lived here his whole life. He loves the city, and he knows that the city loves him.”
Looking Ahead
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced. The Lebanon community is likely to come together to honor Bailey’s life and legacy in the coming days. The Blue Devils basketball team may choose to dedicate future games or seasons to his memory. It’s also possible that increased awareness and fundraising efforts for osteosarcoma research will result from his story.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Jayden Bailey first diagnosed with cancer?
Jayden Bailey was first diagnosed with osteosarcoma in June 2022.
What recognition did the city of Lebanon give to Jayden Bailey?
The Lebanon City Council and Mayor Rick Bell declared February 17th as Jayden Bailey Day during a city council meeting.
Did Jayden Bailey continue to play basketball after his amputation?
Yes, Jayden Bailey returned to the basketball court just five days after his amputation and started in Lebanon’s home opener three months later.
What does it mean to face adversity with such courage and grace, and how can we carry that spirit forward in our own lives?