What Happened
Johnathan Kennith McCain’s Cancer Journey
Johnathan Kennith McCain was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer called NUT Midline Carcinoma, a shocking revelation for a family who had never known him to be sickly or require extended hospital care. Until his diagnosis, Johnathan was in good health, attending annual physicals, and fully vaccinated.
His symptoms were subtle and sporadic—weight loss, nausea, fatigue, and fever—none occurring consecutively or with enough severity to warrant immediate concern. It was only when Johnathan experienced a decreased appetite, faintness, jaundicing eyes, and a noticeable lump in his abdomen that the family rushed him to the emergency room at Levine Children’s Hospital. There, they received the devastating news: Johnathan had a tumor in his liver that had spread to his mediastinum and was continuing to spread aggressively.
Doctors explained that the cancer was not environmental or genetic—just an unfortunate stroke of bad luck. Officially diagnosed on July 1, 2021, Johnathan’s battle with NUT Midline Carcinoma was tragically brief, and he passed away on October 5, 2021.
Johnathan’s high school experience was also cut short. Due to COVID-19 precautions, he attended his freshman year virtually and missed his sophomore year entirely because of his illness. His absence from these milestones is a heart-wrenching reminder of the many ways cancer disrupts the lives it touches.
Johnathan’s courage and strength during this battle remain an enduring testament to his remarkable spirit, and his story continues to inspire those who knew and loved him.
Who Was
Johnathan K. McCain
About Johnathan McCain
Johnathan McCain was born on May 31, 2006, in Heidelberg, Germany. As a proud military brat, he lived in various countries and states, never settling in one place for long, but always holding a special affection for Germany, his “mother country,” and the place of his birth.
Johnathan had a vivid imagination, a thirst for knowledge, and a strong moral compass that guided his actions. Academically gifted, he was inducted into the National Junior Honor Society and maintained an impressive 4.14 GPA. His passion for music shone brightly as he excelled in playing the alto saxophone, earning the honor of 1st chair multiple semesters while marching with the school band and performing at football games. Additionally, he tutored classical piano in his spare time, sharing his talent and love for music with others.
In his 9th-grade year, Johnathan was accepted into the prestigious Engineering & Technologies Academy (ETA), a magnet program at Roosevelt High School in San Antonio, Texas, which he attended virtually. Outside of academics, Johnathan achieved excellence in martial arts, earning multiple belts and stripes in both Tae Kwon Do and Kung Jung Mu Sul.
Johnathan’s summers were filled with creativity and innovation as he attended ID Tech Camps, where he explored Game Design 101, VR Design with Unity and Oculus Go, Fortnite Camp, and Unreal Engine Level Design. He even built his own playable video game, showcasing his remarkable talent and curiosity.
Despite his busy schedule, Johnathan found time to give back, volunteering at food pantries and shelters. His faith was an integral part of his life; he attended Sunday School, sang in church choirs, and shared his joy with many congregations over the years.
Johnathan was not only intelligent and talented but also witty, articulate, funny, and charming. He was a natural leader, confident in who he was and unafraid to stand apart. True to his self-declared mantra, he would often remind us, even until his final days: “I’m just built different.”
Johnathan’s legacy is one of brilliance, strength, and compassion. He remains an inspiration to all who were blessed to know him.
What Is "Melanated Melon"?
The Story Behind Melanated Melon
Melanated Melon is more than just a name—it’s a concept born from heartbreak, resilience, and love. It represents the many shades of baldness we witnessed during this journey, a poignant reminder of the emotional toll of childhood cancer. One of the hardest moments was seeing Johnathan lose his hair, knowing how important it was to him. Yet, when we looked at him, we saw something remarkable: his perfectly round, brown, and beautiful bald head—his “melon.” He was, and always will be, beautiful.
During one of Johnathan’s chemo treatments, I began sketching a cancer ribbon to reflect the experiences of my life and how cancer has touched everything I hold dear, from people to animals. The ribbon took shape with a rounded top, resembling a melon, and was filled with vibrant colors—not to emphasize one cancer group over another, but to represent all cancers and remind us of the importance of supporting every person fighting this devastating disease.
This ribbon is for everyone:
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For those who are fighting their battle, whether won or lost.
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For families who carry the weight of cancer every day and continue to function, with or without their loved ones.
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For whatever your fight looks like, this ribbon is for YOU.
If you look closely, the patterns within the ribbon spell out “Melanated Melon,” embodying the beauty, strength, and diversity of everyone impacted by this fight. Anyone can be Johnathan Strong or “[Your Name] Strong.” This ribbon represents resilience, love, and hope for us all.