Jessica Jeneske works as a medical assistant and knows there are certain things you just need to take seriously. So, when her daughter Sophia — no longer a baby at almost 15 years old, but her baby nonetheless — started saying things to her mom like “My eye feels weird,” she paid attention. When prescribed antibiotics didn’t work and Sophia’s eye began to protrude, Jessica knew it was serious. A CT scan in July revealed a tumor behind Sophia's eye; a trip to Children’s Hospital in Omaha for an MRI and a transfer to UNMC for a biopsy followed. The surgery went well; about half the mass was removed to bring her some relief, and at last Sophia’s doctors had an answer for the Jeneskes: Sophia had ocular rhabdomyosarcoma. This type of cancer was very rare, they said; only about 35 cases are diagnosed per year. It didn’t seem fair that it had taken up residence in a healthy soon-to-be high schooler.

Sophia had received her diagnosis one week before school began, but started school anyway. Those first couple days of high school are too exciting to miss, and she was surrounded by her friends. Once 12 long weeks of chemo started, Sophia was awfully sick. Thankfully, she never lost her vision from the cancer, but, thanks to the chemo, she did lose all her hair. A nervous Jessica consented to let Sophia attend homecoming. She had the time of her life, rocking her beautiful dress — and her bald head! The entire family looks up to Sophia’s courage, resilience, and moxie. Deb Mefferd, Sophia’s grandmother, wanted to recognize sassy Sophia for being such a trooper and wanted all the family to feel extra love this holiday season. UBT and the Magic Moments team think this crew sounds extra joy-worthy, indeed.

In November, Jessica and Sophia headed to San Diego for five weeks of radiation treatments. The tumor grew back fairly quickly, but proton therapy, or proton radiotherapy, is doing its job and the tumor is disappearing. Being separated from each other has been hard on the family, though. Younger siblings Ellie, who’s 11, and 8-year-old Oliver are still in Lincoln with dad Patrick, trying to live a somewhat normal life. Normal stuff they do — sports, helping out in the baby room at church, trips to the zoo — just aren’t the same without Jessica and Sophia. The mother-daughter duo is set to return December 22, but the date keeps changing.

UBT wants to give the Jeneskes time to get settled upon their return from California, so we’re holding off on their Magic Moment until January. We don’t want to ruin any surprises for the family, but please know we have some sparkle up our sleeves for this special family!

We’re wishing the Jeneske family the season’s very best, and for continued health for Sophia. Stay sassy, Sophia — and happy holidays, Jeneske family!

In order to bring purpose to their journey, the Jeneskes want to raise awareness about ocular rhabdomyosarcoma. For more on Sophia's story and updates, please visit their Caring Bridge website at www.caringbridge.org/visit/sophiajeneske.