James (LJ) Staples
James (LJ) Staples was born on April 5, 2020 to mom Jaimee and dad Javier. LJ is a brave, funny, and sweet five-year-old boy who lights up every room he’s in. He loves to play, laugh, and be silly, and he has a big imagination that turns every day moments into adventures. Despite the challenges he faces, he shows incredible strength and courage, always finding ways to smile and bring joy to others. His humor, kindness, and adventurous spirit are what make him uniquely him.
LJ’s favorite foods are chicken nuggets and fries, tacos, and especially his dad’s homemade pasta. He loves spending time playing with his cousins, whether it’s running around in the backyard or splashing together at water parks. One of his best memories was the family trip to Universal Studios in 2024, where he had an amazing time exploring and experiencing it all. No matter what he’s doing, his happiest moments are spent having fun with family and creating memories together.
LJ is surrounded by a big, loving support system. He has one younger brother, Jrue, who is 8 months old on his dad’s side. LJ spends most of his time with his mom, but together they have been traveling back and forth between Texas and Chicago to stay close to our support network. He is blessed with six grandparents who all actively dote on him, as well as a handful of cousins—his favorites being, Zayah and Jayce, who he loves to play with. His family, along with close friends, has been a strong source of support throughout this journey, making sure LJ always feels loved and cared for.
Diagnosis
The first strange symptom that Jaimee noticed was that LJ’s eyes seemed to be moving strangely on their own. In early April of 2025, she took him to an eye specialist to see if he needed glasses, but instead they were told to rush to the emergency. On his golden birthday, April 5, 2025, LJ bravely underwent an MRI and CT scan, and he and his parents ended up spending his fifth birthday in the hospital. Ten days later, on April 15th, 2025 LJ was officially diagnosed with DIPG/DMG. His mom had never even heard of this disease until it touched their lives.
LJ began treatment first in the Dallas area and then began traveling with his mom frequently from Texas to Chicago in order to participate in a clinical trial that they pray will be a miracle for their precious boy. Jaimee says, "This is rare and devastating, something no child should have to face. With the grace of God and the love of our support system, we continue this journey with hope, faith, and the belief that LJ’s story can help shine a light on the need for a cure."
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LJ and his family have an incredible faith and a positive outlook that keeps their family moving forward into his treatment journey and the Archer Foundation is proud to stand by this family, joining them in their unshakable belief that there are many better days ahead. ​
