In the world of patient advocacy, few stories are as compelling—or as deeply human—as those of Sophie Reid and Lainie Jones. Though separated by an ocean, these two women became beacons of hope and change, using their own battles with devastating diagnoses to uplift others and push for reforms in healthcare and road safety. Their journeys, marked by courage, candor, and an unyielding sense of purpose, have left indelible marks on their communities and beyond.
Sophie Reid, a mother and hair salon owner from Jersey, was thrust into a new reality just over a year ago when she was diagnosed with a brain tumour. "I went from running my salon and being a mum to brain surgery, treatment and recovery. It’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but what I’ve learned through all of it is that there is so much strength in vulnerability," she shared in a heartfelt video message at the Pride of Jersey awards ceremony, according to the Jersey Evening Post.
That night, October 16, 2025, was more than a celebration of her resilience. Reid was honored with both the Ambassador of the Year and the Gary Burgess Award—recognition not just for her personal journey, but for the impact she has had as an advocate. "Wow, I honestly didn’t expect this. Thank you so much. To even be nominated alongside so many incredible Islanders is an honour… to win means more than I can put into words," she said, her gratitude palpable.
Reid’s advocacy began almost as soon as her diagnosis was confirmed. She took to TikTok, candidly sharing her experience with her followers—whom she affectionately calls her “globbers”—and even gave her tumour a nickname: Bob the Glob. This openness resonated with many, transforming her from a private citizen into a public voice for those living with neurological illnesses.
But her mission didn’t stop at raising awareness. Reid campaigned vigorously for brain tumour care in Jersey to be brought up to the standards of the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines, widely regarded as the gold standard. She also founded a support group for others facing similar diagnoses, ensuring that no one would have to navigate such a daunting path alone.
Personal tragedy further fueled her activism. After the deaths of her friends, father and son Dean and Charlie Lowe, in a road incident, Reid became a vocal proponent for stricter penalties for dangerous driving. Her efforts contributed to a significant legislative change: in May 2025, the States Assembly approved a new hit-and-run offence, making it mandatory to stop, report, and provide assistance after accidents causing serious or fatal injuries.
Reflecting on the support she received, Reid said, "I wouldn’t be standing here today without the people who carried me through – my family, my friends, my clients, my community – every single one of you who showed me kindness, patience and love when I needed it most." Her sense of community is central to her outlook. "Change starts when we care enough to speak out. That’s exactly what I plan to keep doing," she declared, announcing the creation of the Sophie Reid Neurological Foundation. Her goal? To support islanders living with neurological illnesses so that "no one has to face those challenges alone."
"I want to turn what I’ve been through into something lasting – something that gives hope, comfort and a voice to those who need it most," she promised. As she closed her speech, her optimism shone through: "Thank you again for believing in me, for standing beside me and for showing that even in the hardest moments, Jersey’s community spirit shines the brightest – because together, we really can make a difference."
Across the Atlantic, Lainie Jones was waging her own extraordinary battle. Diagnosed with Li-Fraumeni syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that predisposes carriers to multiple cancers, Jones faced her first cancer diagnosis at just 18 months old. Over her 41 years, she survived six different types of cancer, including breast cancer, thyroid cancer, melanoma, sarcoma, adrenal carcinoma, non-smoker’s lung cancer, and finally glioblastoma, according to the South Florida Sun Sentinel.
Jones became a tireless advocate for early detection, crediting it with saving her life time and again. On Instagram, where she chronicled her journey as @theearlydetective, she encouraged followers to perform self-checks and keep up with doctors’ appointments. "I’ve faced seven primary cancers, gone through multiple treatments, and I’m still thriving," she wrote in one of her final posts. "Research doesn’t just matter — it saves lives."
Her advocacy extended well beyond social media. Jones worked with the American Cancer Society, first at the Hope Lodge in New York City and later in the organization’s events department, helping to lead fundraising galas. Lorraine Katt, a friend and former colleague, recalled, "She was infectious. People just wanted to be around her." Even as she endured grueling treatments for brain cancer, Jones insisted on speaking at Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s annual Cancer Survivorship Summit in September 2025. "She was so determined to be able to be at that summit and deliver her message," said Wasserman Schultz, who first met Jones in 2009 and was immediately struck by her energy and "ferocity."
Jones’ optimism was legendary. Her husband, Joseph “JJ” Jones, whom she married on March 3, 2012, said she never allowed fear to dictate her life. "She had every reason to really only think about herself, but instead thought about everybody else but herself," Wasserman Schultz observed. Her father, Jeff Schultz, remembered her as "the center of attention" from birth, and her friend Katt described her as a "rainbow—always colorful and bright."
Even in her final weeks, Jones remained focused on helping others. Katt recalled their last conversation, when she told Jones she was dedicating a 180-mile fundraising hike in Spain to her. Jones responded, "You guys are wonderful, and I love you." That warmth and gratitude never wavered, even as her health declined. She died at home in Fort Lauderdale on October 14, 2025, surrounded by family.
Jones is survived by her husband JJ, her parents Jeff and Kathy Schultz, and her brothers Brian and Joey Schultz. Her legacy, like Reid’s, is one of unflagging hope, advocacy, and the belief that personal struggle can be transformed into a force for good.
Both women, in their own ways, have shown that vulnerability is not weakness, but a powerful catalyst for change. Their stories remind us that even in the face of daunting odds, the human spirit—bolstered by community, love, and an unwavering sense of purpose—can light the way for others.