Known to her followers on Instagram as “The Early Detective,” Lainie captured widespread attention with her spirited fight against the disease. Her journey was first shared with many when she was receiving radiation treatments for brain cancer at MD Anderson in Houston this past June. Her enduring strength left a profound impact on those who followed her story.

Remarkably, Lainie’s struggle with cancer began when she was just 18 months old. Over the years, she bravely confronted seven different types of cancer, each time demonstrating extraordinary resilience and becoming an inspiration to many. Her ability to remain positive through such challenges served as a powerful testament to her character.

Editor’s note: The above video originally aired in June.

It was the seventh type of cancer Jones had battled since she was 18 months old. 

At 24, she was stunned to learn she had breast cancer, followed by lung and thyroid cancers.  

After her fourth diagnosis, doctors determined Jones had Li-Fraumeni syndrome, a rare genetic condition that increases the risk of cancer. That curveball set her on a mission. 

“I’ve taken my diagnosis and turned it into my purpose—not just to raise awareness of this disease but to emphasize the importance of knowing your genetic risks,” Jones posted on Instagram earlier this year. 

Somehow, she managed to stay upbeat despite one devastating diagnosis after another. 

“I laugh a lot. I laugh a lot through it. Attitude is 90% of the battle. And truly, you know, I always say, if you live in fear, you’re not living,” Jones told KHOU 11’s Ugochi Iloka in June. “I always say when you wake up, that’s a gift, right? And you know, you can’t let cancer get the best of you.” 

It was glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, that killed Jones in the end. 

“After a 17-year battle, we said goodbye to our rainbow in human form,” a tribute on her Instagram page said. “She was one of a kind who always spread sunshine to every person she connected with. As Lainie would say, ‘Live every day like it’s your first.’ When you see a rainbow, think of her and the light she brought to this world.”

How Hope Lodge helps cancer patients

Jones lived in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, but Houston became a second home during her long journey. 

Along with treatments at MD Anderson, Jones and her husband returned every three months for her full-body MRIs.

“So we’re basically Houstonians,” she told us. 

While getting 25 rounds of radiation this summer, she stayed at the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge Houston for free. They also provide shuttle rides and other services for cancer patients. 

“I cried because, honestly, this is such a weight off mine and my husband’s chest that we didn’t have to pay to live here,” Jones said. 

Instead of flowers, Jones’ Instagram page is asking that donations be made to Hope Lodge.