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The future Miss Philadelphia with her mom, father and brother.
Editor’s note: In this heartfelt interview, Jaylen Baron shares the story of her mother, Jane – an inspiring dance teacher, mentor and fighter – whose legacy is honored every year at PanCAN PurpleStride. From her role as a caregiver to leading a passionate PurpleStride team in Philadelphia, Jaylen reflects on resilience, community and more. As Miss Philadelphia, she brings the city’s signature spirit to the fight against pancreatic cancer, using her platform to rally support and inspire action. Read on for a moving tribute to her mother and a powerful call to keep fighting for a cure.
Could you share a bit about your mother, Jane, and how your PurpleStride team name reflects her spirit? You attended your first PanCAN PurpleStride with your mom at age 13, in 2015. What stands out most from that experience?
My mom, Jane Baron, was a passionate dance teacher, mentor to students of all ages, and an embodiment of strength and resilience. She was not only my mother but also my dance teacher and best friend. When she was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer in 2015, my brother JP, my dad John, and I, along with our entire community, were shaken. My mom was adored by everyone – we often joked that she was a mini celebrity because every child and parent at Jane Baron’s Academy of Dance would flag her down in the grocery store, come up and hug her at one of JP’s basketball games, see us at the park and stop to say hey, and we were just always so proud to be her kids. Despite her prognosis of four to six months, she vowed to celebrate every holiday, birthday, dance recital and special moment one last time. She lived four days short of a full year, and her love lives on through us and the dance studio.
In 2015, we created JBAD Heroes to honor her journey. The name stands for Jane Baron’s Academy of Dance, reflecting her unstoppable spirit. During her time at Fox Chase Cancer Center, I was 12 years old, and JP was 11 and we often cried, struggling to understand how she could stand and clap for others ringing the symbolic “cancer-free” bell, knowing she would never have that chance. But crossing the PurpleStride finish line in 2015, surrounded by over 400 team members in Philadelphia, became her own symbolic bellringing. That day, she was so happy, smiling through her sadness. We celebrated her resilience and the love that continues to carry us forward.
Jaylen’s mom, Jane Baron, at PanCAN PurpleStride.
What stands out most from that first PurpleStride we attended is the overwhelming sense of community – a sea of purple, people of all ages, united by shared experiences and a common goal. It was both heartbreaking and heartwarming. My mom smiled through her pain, lifted by the support around her. That moment showed me the power of collective strength and reminded me that even in the face of unimaginable loss, hope remains.
My mom taught me to “play in the present” – to cherish each moment and live fully. That lesson has guided me through my grief and shaped who I am today. As we gather this year, I hold onto those words and her enduring spirit. Jane Baron may no longer be with us, but her legacy lives on in every step we take and every memory we share.
As Team Captain for PanCAN PurpleStride Philadelphia 2025, how have you rallied your community to join your team?
As Team Captain, I’ve been dedicated to rallying my community in the fight against pancreatic cancer. Awareness takes action, and action leads to change. I’ve been fortunate to grow my network not only in Philadelphia but across the country. My brother and I were blessed to receive scholarships that allowed us to attend college out of state, expanding our reach and strengthening our advocacy efforts for PanCAN.
At the University of Alabama, I’ve used my leadership to raise awareness and funds while also providing outreach for students facing grief and the challenges of a cancer diagnosis. Connecting with others who have experienced similar losses has been deeply meaningful and has reinforced the importance of this cause.
What truly fuels my community’s commitment – both in Pennsylvania and beyond – is my mother’s story. Jane Baron was a vibrant, healthy 45-year-old who, without warning, experienced rapid weight loss and nausea. A visit to the emergency room led to a diagnosis that no one ever wanted to hear – stage IV pancreatic cancer. Her story is a powerful reminder of how suddenly life can change and why we must continue to fight for early detection, research advancements and better treatment options.
Every step we take at PurpleStride is a step toward progress, and I’m honored to lead a team inspired by my mom’s resilience. Together, we are turning our grief into action and working toward a future where no family must experience the heartbreak of losing a loved one to pancreatic cancer.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about registering as a Team Captain, and forming a team?
I’ve always believed that every setback can be a setup, and losing my mom has solidified that belief. At just 13, I took on the unexpected role of caregiver alongside my dad and brother. It was a responsibility I never imagined, but that experience ignited my passion to ensure no one fights alone.
We continue to raise vital funds for pancreatic cancer research. I use my platform as a broadcast journalist to amplify the voices of survivors, caregivers, nurses, doctors and those currently fighting this disease. Even the deepest tragedy can be transformed into a force for good.
Jaylen goes all out to honor her mom at PurpleStride.
By registering and forming a team for PurpleStride, you become part of a community that understands the heartbreak and resilience of this journey. The connections you make at a PanCAN event will turn into lifelong friendships, offering comfort and strength no matter where you are. When you register your team, you’re raising funds and joining a powerful movement.
Together, we rally to cross that finish line, united in hope and determination, for an unbelievable cause. Every step we take brings us closer to a world where no one has to face pancreatic cancer alone.
Philly is known for its passion – whether it’s for sports, cheesesteaks, or making a difference! As Miss Philadelphia, how does it feel to bring that same Philly spirit to PanCAN PurpleStride and support such an important cause?
Philly’s passion runs deep – from cheering on our sports teams to supporting our community. As Miss Philadelphia, it’s an honor to bring that same spirit to the fight against pancreatic cancer, a cause that is incredibly personal to me. I’ve dedicated myself to raising awareness and funds, partnering with the National Pancreatic Cancer Action Network to raise over $80,000 for research.
My advocacy started young, volunteering for cancer organizations across Philadelphia like
Coaches vs. Cancer and the Breathing Room Foundation even before my mother’s diagnosis. Full circle moment in 2015, when our community rallied behind our family and helped us fight. Those experiences shaped my commitment to supporting families facing cancer. Earning the title of Miss Pennsylvania’s Teen in 2021 gave me a national platform to share my mom’s story, encouraging early detection and funding for research.
Service is at the heart of the Miss America Organization, and my community service initiative – No One Fights Alone – is what drives me to compete. Through Miss America, I aim to further amplify my mother’s story and support families impacted by this disease. The opportunity to merge my passion for advocacy with a platform that celebrates service inspires me to continue making a difference.
Working for the Philadelphia Eagles and being part of a Super Bowl-winning team taught me the power of teamwork and determination. Now, I’m inspired to bring that same energy to PurpleStride. I’m passionate about rallying our city’s iconic sports teams to join the fight against pancreatic cancer, uniting the same fans who support them every game day.
Pancreatic cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers, with Pennsylvania facing higher incidence rates than the national average. With limited early detection methods, raising awareness is critical. As Miss Philadelphia, I will continue to use my voice to advocate for those impacted, honoring my mother’s legacy and striving for a future where no family endures this devastating disease.
Jaylen’s Lasting Thoughts:
Throughout my time as a high school and college student, I’ve been honored to give speeches, connect with peers, attend luncheons, and interview doctors and nurses – all while meeting countless individuals affected by pancreatic cancer. One thing I often say is that time is precious. I learned that lesson deeply with each hesitant step I took toward my parents’ bedroom, uncertain of how my mom would be doing that day during her battle with pancreatic cancer.
To those with children and loved ones who may one day face the weight of loss, I offer this advice: write to them. My mom left my brother and me a box of letters – one for every milestone, every cherished memory and moments she knew we’d need her wisdom the most.
These letters are her words, her heart, and her enduring presence in our lives. In just a month, I’ll open my college graduation letter from her, a reminder of how much she believed in us and her ever-present love.
To each family navigating the pain of this disease, I send my deepest love. Together, I remain hopeful that one day, we will see a cure.
With Love, Jaylen Baron
