Jaeda's Dream

Day one of Jaeda’s Dream was powerful, emotional, and unforgettable from start to finish.

The day began with a sendoff at the hospital that none of us will ever forget. Nurses lined the hallway, forming a tunnel just for Jaeda—cheering, clapping, and throwing confetti as she rolled through with the biggest smile. It was a moment filled with love, honor, and deep respect for a young woman who has inspired so many of them. There were tears, laughter, and a shared sense that something truly special was beginning.

After settling in, Jaeda headed to the Duke campus store for a shopping spree, picking out Duke gear and soaking in the excitement of the day ahead.

During the men’s basketball shootaround, Coach came immediately over to Jaeda and spent intentional time talking with her and her dad. He didn’t rush the moment. He listened, encouraged, and showed genuine care—an incredible man with an even greater heart. In a powerful gesture of honor, he asked Jaeda to sign a pair of sneakers that he would wear during the game that night, wearing them in honor of her fight with cancer.

After shootaround and before the game, Jaeda was able to step onto the court and throw some basketballs—just like she used to. Watching her shoot and make baskets was one of the most moving moments of the day. It was pure joy, muscle memory, and love for the game all coming together in a way that stopped everyone in their tracks.

That night at Cameron Indoor Stadium, Jaeda and Dream On 3 were highlighted on center court. The crowd rose and cheered her on, filling the arena with applause, encouragement, and so much love. Coach and his wife continued to be incredible to Jaeda—kind, intentional, and fully present—making sure she felt seen, celebrated, and deeply honored.

Day one wasn’t just about basketball. It was about honoring who Jaeda is, celebrating the game she loves, and surrounding her with people who showed up in the most meaningful ways.

Day two of Jaeda’s Dream began slowly and sweetly with breakfast together at the hotel—time to sit, laugh, and enjoy being together before another full day ahead.

From there, we headed out for a girls’ morning to get our nails done. Jaeda’s sisters joined us, and she absolutely loved it. Watching her laugh, choose colors, and just be in the moment with her sisters was such a gift. It was simple, normal, and joyful in the best way.

We grabbed lunch at Alpaca before heading back to the hotel so Jaeda could rest and meet with the nurse before the afternoon plans. While she rested, the captains, our photographer, and I made a quiet mission run to the AMC theater. We had one last hope—to see if we could get basketball video messages from some of Jaeda’s favorites to play on the big screen before the movie. We dropped off the external drive, praying it would work, then rushed back to pick up Jaeda and her family and head straight to the theater.

What happened next was nothing short of incredible.

We were gifted a private movie theater, and when Jaeda walked in, she was surprised by some of her favorite nurses, friends, and family who were already waiting for her. The love in that room was overwhelming. AMC went above and beyond, comping hundreds of dollars in concessions so everyone could fully enjoy the experience.

Then the moment came.

The lights dimmed, the screen came on, and the basketball videos started playing. Messages from her heroes filled the screen—loving on her, encouraging her, and wishing her well. Jaeda stood there completely stunned, taking it all in. There were tears of joy throughout the room as everyone watched her face and felt the weight of that moment together.

After that, we settled in to watch Predator, which Jaeda absolutely loved.

The night didn’t end there. We headed out for shopping, stopping at all of Jaeda’s favorite brand-name stores. With every store, she seemed to come more alive—smiling bigger, laughing more, soaking in every second. She hit four or five stores, loving every minute of it.

We wrapped up the night with sushi, big smiles, and photos taken around a glowing Christmas tree. It was one of those nights you wish you could pause forever—full of life, love, and moments that will stay with us always.

 Day three was the perfect ending to a truly unforgettable dream.

The morning started with breakfast from Bruegger’s Bagels—simple, familiar, and a sweet way to ease into the final day together. From there, Jaeda stepped into another special moment with a newspaper interview, sharing her story and her love for basketball in a way only she can.

Late morning brought us to Cameron Indoor Stadium for the Duke women’s basketball shootaround. Watching Jaeda take it all in—from the energy on the court to the behind-the-scenes moments—was so special. After shootaround, she spent time mingling with the coaches and players, who welcomed her with genuine kindness and excitement. She was gifted a gear pack, a signed team poster, and a signed basketball—each one a reminder of how deeply she was embraced by the program.

The afternoon was intentionally slower. After lunch, Jaeda headed back to the hotel for rest, makeup, and a podcast interview, with time built in for her nurse to check on her. It was a gentle pause before one final, magical evening.

That night, we returned to Cameron for the women’s basketball game and were invited into Champions Court, where a table was reserved just for us. Food and beverages were provided for the entire night, allowing Jaeda and her family to relax, enjoy, and feel completely taken care of.

Just before tip-off, Jaeda was escorted to half court as the honorary Bell Ringer. With her dad and sister by her side, she rang the bell, marking the moment with strength, pride, and joy.

Immediately after, Jaeda and her sister were invited to line up on the court with the team as the starting players were announced. One by one, each starter ran through the tunnel, slapping hands—including Jaeda’s and her sister’s—before taking the floor. When the final starter was announced, Jaeda was invited into the team huddle. Watching the players put their arms around her, and her around them, was a tear-jerking moment. Together, they raised their hands, ready for the game. In that moment, Jaeda wasn’t just honored—she was part of the team.

During one of the timeouts, Jaeda’s sister and Sofia were invited onto the court to compete against each other in a basketball Christmas present game. It was lighthearted, fun, and such a joy to cheer them on as the crowd got into it.

Later, during halftime, Jaeda took part in the teddy bear toss, another moment that filled the arena with joy and meaning.

After the game, Jaeda was invited into the women’s locker room to be part of the post-game recap. She stood among the team, fully included, fully welcomed. When the players finished and came back out, the coach wrapped Jaeda in a hug and told her she is invited back anytime—to practice, to games, to anything. She repeated it, making sure Jaeda knew it was real.

It was the perfect ending to a perfect dream.

Three days filled with love, honor, courage, and joy—woven together by a young woman who continues to inspire everyone lucky enough to walk alongside her.