Before this all happened, we were a normal family. We had just spent the summer camping and traveling to Mackinaw Island. We were getting ready for Jameson to go back to school and Start 2nd grade.

Throughout the summer, Jameson had moments where he was throwing up and not feeling good and these symptoms would come and go. We had taken him to the doctors where they didn't find anything abnormal. We thought it could possibly be anxiety. When his symptoms continued, we took him to the ER where they did a bunch of blood tests and again nothing alarmed them and we were told he was fine. Then one day Jameson was throwing up, we put him in the tub to take a bath. We asked him if he knew who we were and he didn't know. He was very confused and he wasn't making sense. We immediately called the ambulance and he was taken to Covenant Emergency Room. They took him in and immediately did scans. When the doctors came back in they revealed that our son had a mass on his brain and he would need emergency surgery. There was no time to process our feelings. Decisions about what hospital we wanted Jameson to have this surgery had to be made and we had to make phone calls to tell our family what was happening. We were in complete shock. The surgeon for Covenant came in and told us that since it was a holiday weekend he wouldn't be able to operate on Jameson until Tuesday. My mom gut kicked in and I knew that he was not the doctor I wanted for our son. We chose to transfer him to Mott Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor. While we were waiting for the ambulance to arrive to transfer Jameson, our Pastor showed up, said a prayer with us, and gave us a small wooden cross with Jameson on it.​

My husband had to run home pack up our things and drop off our other kid's things at his parents. We have two other children we had to think about as well and there was no time to explain what was going on to them or how long we would even be gone.

I rode in the ambulance with our son the whole way to Ann Arbor. I couldn't believe this was happening. I had never felt so scared in my life and helpless. He was admitted into the hospital where no one got any sleep. The next day we met with the brain surgeon who revealed to us that Jameson had a mass the size of a fist on his brain and advised us of all the risks with the surgery. The possibility of losing our son was heartbreaking and unimaginable. The day of the surgery we prayed like we have never prayed before. I clung onto Jameson's stuffed dog Chase as we followed him to the elevators to be wheeled to surgery. I did not want to leave our baby.

The whole day was a blur everyone was so exhausted with worry. It didn't help that the hospital's chapel did not have a cross or Jesus anywhere. I needed him more than anything and in that hospital there was no solace or reprieve. I clung onto the wooden cross Pastor made for Jameson and that brought me comfort.

The hospital stay was hell for us. There was no privacy. There were people constantly in and out of his room. We weren't getting any sleep, and were extremely exhausted. We were so far away from home. The guilt we felt for not being there for our other children, and having to leave them while also trying to process the reality of our life now all while also having to put on a brave face to be strong for Jameson. Being in one room with our son, it was impossible to cry or process the news without fear we would upset or scare our child.​

Our son made a miraculous recovery from brain surgery. The Lord answered our prayers. The surgeon had told us that if we would have waited until Tuesday for the surgery he would not have made it. I will always be thankful that God had Dr. Garton operate on our son. Our son did 6 weeks of radiation that required me to stay in Ann Arbor where we lived in a hotel and depended on Door Dash for our meals. There were weeks my other children would stay with us because I missed them horribly and also times I had to have them stay behind because it was just too difficult being cooped up in a hotel room with all three of them and having to transport them with their booster and car seats in the shuttle. My husband stayed behind so he could go back to work. We would come home on weekends and come back Sunday night and to do it all over again. It was hard on us being apart as a family, but we had to do what was best for our son.

When radiation was over we tried to go back to as normal a life as possible. Jameson eventually went back to school and we continued chemo. In March Jameson's scans showed no signs of disease. We celebrated and were over the moon. During the month of May, Jameson starting complaining of arm pain by his right elbow.  After a few doctor visits at Mott, they ordered an MRI.  May 29th we received more bad news, they found out his arm pain was bone cancer.  Once again we found ourselves trying to process this horrible news. Then, three days later, at his school picnic parade, he became very weak and couldn't walk. We immediately called and headed back to Mott Childrens emergency room. My husband and I stayed up all night with our son. Tests and scans were done and they found more tumors in his brain and spine were growing. We were then admitted to the cancer floor. In the days that followed, we were told that we would be lucky if Jameson made it to Christmas. That news was the heaviest burden ever placed on us. We started some radiation and chemo immediately. Then during the radiation process they did more scans and found that the cancer had spread more in just a couple weeks. They advised us our timeline had changed from months to weeks with our son and to "go make memories". We were sent home on hospice, and immediately started making those memories we needed to make.

Throughout it all, our family has not given up hope. Jameson has never given up hope. His faith in God is beautiful. We started this non profit so Jameson will always be remembered and to help him spread the word of God. Jameson wants to help other children who are going through this. He doesn't want anyone to ever feel alone. "Fear not for I am with you" Isaiah 41:10 is his favorite bible verse. With this non profit, we are focusing on sending faith based care packages to families dealing with pediatric cancer. We want to remind others they are also never alone and that God is always there. Being parents going through this has been so isolating yet uplifting. Our community has stood behind us the whole way. We have people all over praying for our little boy, wearing shirts or wristbands with his name on them, and proudly displaying yard signs with Jameson Strong on them. 

We can't change what happened to our son but we can keep his message alive.

JAMESONSTRONG

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Jameson Glenn Doud Obituary

Jameson Glenn Doud, aged 8, of Vassar, loving son, brother, grandson, great-grandson, and friend, was welcomed into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. Surrounded by the warmth of his family's love, Jameson passed away peacefully at home after a brave battle, with his devoted parents Joshua and Amanda (Wilkinson) Doud cuddled up by his side. Born on October 30, 2016, in Saginaw, Michigan, Jameson's spirit and infectious laughter brought joy to all who knew him.

 

As a bright and playful student, Jameson was just about to begin his third-grade year at St. Michaels Lutheran Church in Richville. He adored his school and formed many friendships, particularly with his close companion, Dylan B. Jameson's heart was firmly rooted in family; he shared an unbreakable bond with his younger sister and brother and together spent countless hours playing in the yard. His love for family was profound, and he treasured every moment spent with them.

 

Jameson's faith was a beacon that guided him through life's challenges. He lived each day with a sense of purpose and understanding, confident in his journey ahead. Known for his selflessness and playful nature, Jameson was the family's light, always ready to share a giggle or a silly joke. His presence was a constant source of happiness and comfort to those around him.

 

A boy of many passions, Jameson found delight in the simple pleasures of childhood. His collection of Tonka Trucks was a testament to his imagination and love for play. A food enthusiast, he never passed up a chance to eat his favorite meals from McDonald's or a slice of pizza. Music was another source of solace and strength for Jameson, with the tunes of Morgan Wallen providing a backdrop to his courageous fight. A strong Kansas City Chiefs fan, he wore his team's colors with pride and enthusiasm. Adventure was in Jameson's soul, and he was rarely seen without his trusty stuffed companion, Chase, by his side. Together, they explored the world.

 

Jameson's legacy will live on through the lives of his loving family: his parents, Joshua and Amanda Doud; his adoring siblings, Emma and Walter "Wally"; his grandparents, Leonard Wilkinson and Doug and Sue Doud; and his great-grandparents, Glenn and Leona Doud. He will also be fondly remembered by his aunts and uncles, Peggy (Chris) Carr, Stephanie (Jordan) Kerr, and Krista Doud, along with many dear friends and extended family members who were touched by his spirit.

 

The compassionate care provided by his hospice nurse, Neema, and social worker, Kayla, along with the dedicated team at Child Life in Ann Arbor, Julia and Dr. Garton, will always be held in high esteem by the Doud family for their unwavering support throughout Jameson's journey.

 

A celebration of Jameson's life will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at St. Michael's Lutheran Church in Richville. Reverend Wesley Gillaspie and Reverend Keith Knea will co-officiate. Committal Services will follow in the St. Michael's Cemetery. Friends and loved ones are invited to pay their respects at the Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Home, 9940 Saginaw Street in Reese, on Saturday from 1-7 p.m., and at St. Michael's Lutheran Church on Sunday from 1 p.m. until the time of the services. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Jameson Strong. Jameson Strong is a foundation that has been set up to help support other kids in their Battles. Please make checks to Jameson Strong.

 

All of us at Ware-Smith-Woolever are honored, the Doud family has entrusted us with the care of their loved one. Condolences to the family may be made through our website at www.wswfh.com.