NASHVILLE – In 2022, at the age of 14, Jayden Bailey, the son of Trevecca basketball alum London Elie, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. After 39 weeks of chemotherapy and the amputation of his left arm in 2025, he returned to the court for Lebanon High School — playing, smiling, and inspiring with unmatched strength.
Jayden passed away on February 19, 2026, at the age of 17. His courage, positivity, and faith touched lives across the country, leaving a legacy far greater than basketball.
By the time Jayden Bailey picked up a basketball, the game already ran deep in his blood.
After all, his mother, London Elie, excelled at the game while playing at Lebanon High School, becoming one of the most versatile athletes in school history, and then continuing her career at Trevecca Nazarene University, where he was able to see her play.
His aunt, Icelyn Elie, carried that same passion to Middle Tennessee State University, adding another chapter to a family legacy built on resilience, discipline, and love for the game.
There were other family members who played basketball as well.
But Jayden's story grew far beyond basketball. His story leapt beyond city lines of Lebanon, the boundaries of Wilson County, well beyond the great state of the Volunteer State. In fact, his story has traveled beyond the borders of the United States and across the oceans to reach around the world.
Born on December 12, 2008, Jayden entered the world just as his mother, London, was preparing to begin her college basketball career at Trevecca. Less than a year later, London joined the
Gary Van Atta-coached Trevecca women's basketball program for the 2009–10 season, balancing motherhood, academics, and collegiate athletics with remarkable strength and grace.
A Mother's Journey: From Lebanon to Trevecca
Before arriving at Trevecca, London had already established herself as one of Lebanon High School's most decorated athletes. A dominant presence on the basketball court, she averaged 17 points, nine rebounds, and five blocks per game during her senior season. Her athletic excellence extended beyond basketball — she was a two-time TSSAA All-State selection in volleyball, the school's Most
Athletic honoree in 2008, and a record-holder in both volleyball and basketball.
London's rare versatility, size, and work ethic made her a natural fit for collegiate athletics, and she carried those traits to Trevecca Nazarene University, where she wore No. 40 and quickly made her impact "On the Hill."
"Trevecca loves its student-athletes, and London is one whose tenacity, determination, and perseverance always stood out," Trevecca President Dan Boone said. "It does not surprise me that she is a devoted mother who loved her son faithfully through extraordinarily difficult years. Today, we grieve with her and hold her close in our hearts."
During her freshman season in 2009–10, London was named TranSouth Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year, selected to the TranSouth All-Freshman Team, and earned TranSouth Player of the Week honors.
That first season, she averaged 9.7 points and 5.7 rebounds per game while leading the Trojans with 39 blocked shots. Her season included a 21-point performance against No. 15 William Woods in the first round of the NAIA National Championships, helping propel the unseeded Trojans to a stunning upset.
That season, Trevecca finished 22–11, advancing to the NAIA Sweet Sixteen, and secured head coach
Gary Van Atta's 400th career victory — a milestone London helped make possible.
As a sophomore wearing the Purple and White during the 2010–11 season, London elevated her game again.
Her new level brought a new level of honors, including Honorable Mention NAIA All-American recognition. Additionally, she was named All-TranSouth First Team. She averaged a team-high 12.1 points per game and ranked second on the team in rebounding at 6.0 per contest, and once again paced the Trojans with 39 blocked shots.
One unforgettable stretch arrogated her presence on the program completely.
Over a three-game run in late January and early February, London executed one of the most impressive three-game runs in program history:
- 24 points, eight rebounds vs. No. 1 Union University
- 29 points, 11 rebounds vs. Martin Methodist
- 23 points, 11 rebounds vs. Mid-Continent
Across those three games, she totaled 76 points and 30 rebounds, shooting nearly 59 percent from the floor while producing two double-doubles — three performances that revealed her athleticism and skill set.
While those accolades were impressive and those achievements recognized, there was never any doubt what mattered most to London. Her son, Jayden, always came first.
A Coach's Reflection
Her Trevecca head coach and fellow Wilson County legend,
Gary Van Atta, saw that devotion firsthand.
"During London's time at Trevecca, her coaches and teammates truly loved her," Van Atta said. "We were with her during her pregnancy, and we were there when she gave birth to Jayden. There was never any doubt that Jayden was the most important thing in her life.
"When she left Trevecca, it was only to be closer to home and to be a better mother to her son. Everyone close to her embraced her decision because it was the right one for her to make. We all love London, and we will mourn with her during this time. But we will also celebrate Jayden's amazing spirit, because it touched us all."
After two seasons at Trevecca, London transferred to Cumberland University to be closer to home, surrounded by family, support, and the daily presence of her son — a decision reflective of her character and priorities.
Her Trevecca career concluded with 622 points, 334 rebounds, and 78 blocks in just 57 games — a legacy marked not only by numbers, but by leadership, heart, and perseverance.
Jayden's Fight
Years later, that same perseverance would define Jayden's own journey.
In June 2022, at just 14 years old, Jayden was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer. What followed was a four-year battle that tested his strength, endurance, and faith.
He endured 39 weeks of chemotherapy. When the cancer spread, doctors were forced to amputate his left arm in 2025. Still, Jayden refused to surrender the game he loved.
The 6-foot-6 power forward for Lebanon High School, Jayden, returned to the court, not surprisingly to fans and opponents who knew him. His one-armed shooting ability, highlight plays, steadfast faith, and brilliant smile drew local and national attention.
Also impressive is how he handled the attention. As the accolades poured in, Jayden remained grounded — thankful, humble, and focused on encouraging others.
His inspiring story reached news outlets across the country. Features on Jayden appeared in The New York Times, People Magazine, Fox 17 Nashville, The Tennessean, and countless other media outlets. Messages of support poured in from all social media platforms and arrived from athletes, coaches, and fans nationwide, including a surprise video from University of Kentucky guard Otega Oweh.
A Community Lifted by Courage
Even after the cancer spread, Jayden continued to inspire — greeting visitors with joy, uplifting hospital staff, and reminding everyone around him what true strength looked like.
At every step, London stood beside him — a mother whose life had always been defined by sacrifice, faith, and unyielding love.
Together, they showed a community what courage looks like.
Jayden Bailey passed away on February 19, 2026, at the age of 17, leaving behind a legacy far greater than basketball. His life became a testimony to resilience, faith, and the power of a positive spirit. And in that, Jayden Bailey will forever stand as a champion.
Honoring Jayden's Life
Visitation for Jayden Bailey is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lebanon Church of God, located at 600 C L Manier St., Lebanon, Tennessee.
The funeral service is Sunday, March 1, 2026, from 1 to 2 p.m. inside the Lebanon High School gymnasium — the same court where Jayden inspired with his courage and joy. Attendees are encouraged to wear Carolina Blue in honor of Jayden.
