BROOKHAVEN, GEORGIA – When Jalen Alexander raised his saxophone and played the melody of "Careless Whisper" with the McConnell Middle School jazz band, the music was more than just a performance. It was a triumphant anthem for a life-or-death journey.
The 14-year-old student from Gwinnett County was recently honored as "Children's Miracle Child 2026" by Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, having conquered a rare form of cancer—a type of disease typically found in middle-aged men.
It Started as a Pea-Sized Lump
Jalen's journey began at age 12 when he discovered a small lump on the left side of his neck.
"It started as a pea, and then it grew to be the size of a rock," Jalen recounted.
His mother, Monica Rowe, recalled taking him for multiple check-ups when initial tests showed no serious signs. Ultrasounds, CT scans—all failed to provide a clear answer.
It wasn't until the lump was surgically removed that the family received the diagnosis: Jalen had non-Hodgkin's lymphoma—a rare form of lymphoma in children.
"Non-Hodgkin's is typically found in older men. It was scary to have a disease that most kids don't get," Jalen shared.
13 Rounds of Chemotherapy and Extraordinary Resilience
According to Dr. Sharon Castellino, symptoms like fatigue or fever can easily be mistaken for common childhood illnesses, sometimes leading to delayed diagnoses.
Jalen underwent 13 rounds of chemotherapy, with each treatment session lasting about 10 hours, continuously for several months. Throughout this arduous treatment, he maintained excellent academic performance.
Currently, Jalen has been cancer-free for two years.
"The experience made me more mature. I appreciate life more and am more aware of everything around me," he said.
"I'm So Proud of My Son"
For Monica Rowe, the journey was a lesson in perseverance and the spirit of continuously advocating for her child.
"I'm so proud of my son," she said. "Advocating for him… and then he became an advocate for himself."
Now, as the saxophone echoes in the music room, each note Jalen plays tells more than just the story of a cancer patient. It's a tale of resilience, maturity, and a "miracle child" moving forward with a light in his eyes.
