Featured Honoree

Anna Owens has spent her life caring for others — first as a fitness instructor, personal trainer, and belly dance instructor, and more recently as an IT technician, a role she earned just three years ago and stepped into with pride. Described by her daughter, Aisha Brooks, as "my best friend, my rock, and my hero," Anna has met every challenge in her life with remarkable strength.
In 2023, Anna was diagnosed with stage two neuroendocrine lung cancer. She underwent a lobectomy at Vanderbilt Hospital in Tennessee and, for a time, her scans remained clear. In May 2025, however, further testing revealed a devastating turn: two tumors in her heart's left ventricle. Anna was diagnosed with stage four metastatic carcinoid heart cancer — a rare and aggressive disease too advanced for surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation.
Anna now relies on monthly injections aimed at slowing the cancer's progression, along with regular trips to Vanderbilt for ongoing care and monitoring. Through it all, she continues to face her diagnosis with courage and grace, supported by her daughter and the community around her.
We are honored to recognize Anna Owens for her strength, resilience, and the example she sets for everyone who knows her. Donations to Anna can be made at our donation page.

Our Mission

At The Jon Herndon Foundation, our mission is simple yet profound: to support cancer patients and their families during one of the most challenging times of their lives. Through fundraising efforts and community support, we aim to provide financial relief to individuals grappling with the high costs associated with cancer treatments. We believe that no one should have to choose between their health and financial stability, and we're committed to making a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer.

Who is Jon Herndon

Our foundation was founded to honor Jon Herndon; a husband, father, brother, friend, and Pops. Jon was originally diagnosed with colon cancer in 2018. After a year of battling he was shown to be in remission. However four years later his cancer returned. After a very courageous battle he was unable to overcome how quickly his cancer had spread and Jon's life was tragically cut short due to cancer. During his ongoing battle, his hard-working character and strong love for his family's wellness wouldn't allow him to quit providing even as he was going through chemotherapy treatments and working his labor-intensive job...Continue Jon's Story here

Why it Matters

Cancer not only takes a toll on one's physical health but also on their financial well-being. Many individuals undergoing cancer treatment face mounting medical bills and loss of income, making it difficult to meet everyday expenses. At The Jon Herndon Foundation, we strive to bridge this gap by offering financial assistance to cover essential needs such as utility bills, housing expenses, and transportation costs. By supporting those in need, we hope to ease the burden and provide a glimmer of hope during a challenging time.

How to Help

Join us in our mission to support cancer patients and their families by getting involved today. Whether it's making a donation, volunteering your time, or spreading the word about our cause, every contribution makes a difference. Together, we can provide much-needed support and hope to those facing the challenges of cancer treatment. Join us in making a positive impact in the lives of others.