A 10-year-old girl from South Georgia is preparing for a bone marrow transplant after her cancer returned just months after she completed treatment.
Christiana Jones, of Thomasville, was first diagnosed with anaplastic large cell lymphoma on Dec. 21, 2024, when she was 8 years old. Her mother, Faylisha James, said the diagnosis changed life for the family almost overnight.
Christiana underwent six rounds of chemotherapy, with hospital stays about every three weeks and regular clinic visits for lab work. The family also traveled between Georgia and Florida during her treatment.
By April 2025, Christiana had completed her final round of chemotherapy. On May 5, she celebrated by ringing the bell that marked the end of her treatment.
For her family, it was a moment they had worked toward for months.
But the relief did not last long.
Cancer returned months after treatment
At a three-month follow-up in September 2025, Christiana’s family learned that the cancer had returned.
James said the news was devastating, especially after watching her daughter complete an extended course of treatment and finally reach the end of it.
Christiana began taking an oral chemotherapy medication after the cancer returned. According to her mother, the treatment has allowed her to continue going to school rather than remain hospitalized for treatment.
Doctors have since determined that Christiana needs a bone marrow transplant as part of her treatment. Her family recently received another important piece of news: a donor has been found.
Family now in Jacksonville for transplant
Christiana and her mother traveled to Jacksonville, Florida, on Sept. 8 as they prepare for the transplant, which is scheduled for Sept. 14.
The family plans to remain in Jacksonville during the lengthy recovery period. Christiana is expected to spend about a month in the hospital and then remain in the area for approximately six more months for close monitoring.
James said staying near the medical team is important because she does not want to be hours away from the hospital if her daughter becomes sick after returning home to Thomasville.
The upcoming treatment will also mean another major adjustment for the family, which has already spent months traveling for Christiana’s care.
Family asks for support
James has started a GoFundMe campaign to help with expenses connected to Christiana’s treatment and the family’s extended stay in Jacksonville.
The fundraiser is intended to help with travel, gas, bills and other needs while Christiana undergoes the transplant and recovery.
Despite everything she has experienced, James said her daughter continues to face the situation with determination and a positive attitude. She also said Christiana has a large support system of family and friends behind her as she prepares for the next stage of treatment.
For now, the family is focused on Sept. 14 and helping Christiana through the transplant and the months of monitoring that will follow.
