All About     Jayani  

Jayani’s Army was founded in loving memory of Jayani Seth, a child whose brief but radiant life continues to inspire hope and compassion. Born on Christmas Day in 2004, Jayani was a gift of light and love to her family. In the spring following her birth, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Despite her courageous battle with cancer, Jayani passed away in May 2006, leaving behind a legacy of perseverance, courage, and everyday miracles.

Her parents, Kimberly and Ajay Seth, created Jayani’s Army in 2007 to give back to the community that supported them during Jayani’s treatment. The organization began in Stark County, Ohio, where memorial walks, spaghetti dinners, and euchre tournaments were held to raise funds to support families of children with cancer, with proceeds benefiting Akron Children’s Hospital.

In 2025, Jayani’s brother, Jaideep Seth, refounded the organization in Columbus, Ohio, focusing its efforts around the holiday season to honor the family’s traditions and bring joy to children and families at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Jayani’s Army now provides holiday care packages and support to families navigating the challenges of cancer treatment, striving to make sure no child or family feels alone.

Jayani’s legacy and memory live on today: every Christmas, her family lights a candle that burns throughout the day and hangs a stocking filled with gifts, which they deliver to children undergoing cancer treatment at Akron Children’s Hospital. This act of kindness is the heart of Jayani’s Army’s mission—to ensure that families facing childhood cancer feel seen, supported, and loved, especially during the holidays.

At Jayani’s Army, we believe in the power of community, compassion, and collective effort. Through our work, we aim to make a positive impact on the lives of families and children with cancer—carrying forward Jayani’s light and legacy, one holiday at a time.