01/28/2026
Can you help 17-year-old Riley and her family?
She’s a cheerleader at Elizabethton High School and facing a serious medical challenge.
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From the Go Fund Me
Family friend Lydia Deese wrote:
Jackie Mays has been my friend since school, and I’ve always admired her strength and kindness. Right now, she and her family are facing one of the toughest challenges imaginable. Her 17-year-old daughter, Riley, was taken to the hospital on January 9th and diagnosed with mono. But after more tests and conversations with doctors, it became clear that Riley’s situation was much more serious. She has Epstein Barr virus (EBV), which is not only the root cause of mono but can also be associated with lymphoma. Riley’s health has been a roller coaster—one day she seems better, the next things take a turn. Her bilirubin levels are still rising, her stomach is swollen, and she’s experiencing allergic reactions every evening. The doctors are working hard to figure out what’s going on, and now Riley is being transferred to a specialized hospital for more expert care in Cincinnati. Only one parent can fly with Riley, so her stepdad Ronnie (Jackie’s husband) has to drive separately to be with them. If the tests come back showing lymphoma, Riley will be transferred to Memphis for further treatment. The family is waiting for answers, and every day brings new uncertainty and worry.
Through all of this, Jackie and Ronnie are doing everything they can to care for Riley and their three other young children at home. Both parents have had to put their jobs on hold, which means there’s no income coming in. They’re trying to keep things as normal as possible for their other kids—making sure they have food, can focus on school, and feel safe even while their mom and sister are away. But the medical bills are already piling up, and the costs of traveling far from home for Riley’s treatment—including flights, long drives, food, hotel stays, and essentials—are adding up fast. On top of that, they still have to keep up with their regular monthly bills at home.
I’m asking for your help to support Jackie, Riley, stepdad Ronnie, and their family during this incredibly difficult time. Any donation, no matter the size, will make a real difference. Your generosity will help them cover medical expenses, travel costs, and daily needs so they can focus on what matters most: Riley’s recovery and keeping their family together. Thank you so much for your kindness and support.
Go fund me link in comments,
