Next Wednesday, August 12, 2026, 9-year-old Zoey Jones of Gardendale, Alabama, is scheduled to undergo brain surgery. The procedure aims to improve blood flow to her brain and reduce the risk of future strokes and complications.

Zoey has lived with the most severe form of sickle cell anemia (sickle cell disease) since early infancy. She was diagnosed at about three months old through newborn screening and began experiencing intense pain crises shortly afterward. When she was just six months old, her family relocated from Mobile to the Birmingham area (specifically Gardendale) so she could receive specialized care at Children’s of Alabama.

Over nearly nine years, her life has involved frequent hospital visits, monthly blood transfusions (later facilitated by an implanted port), procedures, and efforts to maintain as normal a childhood as possible. The disease forced her to give up soccer and brought ongoing challenges, including severe pain. Her mother, Erin Jones, has emphasized that sickle cell disease affects the entire body, not only pain crises.

In January 2024, Zoey suffered a transient ischemic attack (a stroke-like event) at school, during which she repeatedly passed out. Doctors performed an emergency procedure to restore blood flow. Imaging then confirmed Moyamoya disease, a rare complication of sickle cell disease in which the main arteries supplying the brain narrow over time. The brain compensates by forming a network of fragile, small vessels that appear like a “puff of smoke” on scans. This condition heightens the risk of strokes, seizures, and other neurological issues. Zoey had previously experienced a stroke (or stroke-like event) related to these complications.

The upcoming surgery is intended to improve cerebral circulation and lower the risk of further complications. Afterward, Zoey is expected to need several months of recovery, during which she will be homeschooled before gradually returning to her routine.

Despite years of medical challenges, Zoey is widely described by her family as resilient, kind, and full of courage and laughter. She often reassures her mother with words such as “Mom, don’t worry. I’ve got this” or “I have sickle cell. It doesn’t have me.” Her favorite stuffed animal, Mr. Piggy, is expected to be with her if permitted in the operating room. Her parents are Mark and Erin Jones; she has siblings (reports mention four). Erin has spoken publicly about her daughter’s strength inspiring the family and has set up a GoFundMe campaign to help with mounting medical bills and related costs.

Family, friends, and the community have been asked to keep Zoey, her parents Mark and Erin, her siblings, and her medical team in their prayers for a successful surgery, healing, and brighter days ahead. Coverage of Zoey’s story has appeared in local reporting from WVTM 13 (updated August 5–6, 2026) and earlier patient profiles from Children’s of Alabama, as well as community posts sharing details of her journey and the upcoming procedure.

Sources for this account include reporting by WVTM 13 (“Alabama nine-year-old girl with sickle cell faces brain surgery with hope,” updated August 5/6, 2026), the Children’s of Alabama patient story on Zoey Jones (June 2025), and related public statements and community shares consistent with those reports.

Source: https://www.childrensal.org/patient-stories/zoey-jones