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Gria's Breast Cancer Fund

Thank you for allowing me to share my story with you and ask for your help.  My name is Lorraine Jacobs and I am the very proud mother of 10 children- 5 biological and 5 adopted. I would like to introduce you to and share a little about one of my children, Gria, who is the reason I am asking for help. 

Gria is my second born child (July 1971) and began educating me the day she entered the world.  Gria was born at a very rough time in my life, which means she lived through my conflicts, struggles and culpabilities and writhed with me through my own life challenges.  As a teen she challenged every ounce of patience I had, however as a woman she has exceeded all expectations and has proven herself to be someone the whole family looks up to and admires.

Gria Jacobs resides in Queens, New York and is the single mother to a beautiful 25 year old daughter who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science. Gria’s primary focus has always been on family and on being the best parent and provider to her child, the best sister, the best daughter and the best auntie to her numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces. Gria is the one everyone can count on for anything they need.  She is the one to give support, she is the one who will pick you up and drop you off, she is the one who will do your make up, take you to the doctor and anything else she can offer.

Gria loves life and in her personal world she is known as one of the first females in Jamaica, Queens, to be seen on a racing motorcycle. She is always the life of the party- you can count on Gria to be the first one on the dance floor and she may stay there all night!

Gria was employed at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center for 12 years.  She began as a Physician’s Office Assistant in 2002 and became very interested in cancer research. That interest pushed her to apply for a position as a Research Study Assistant, which would allow her to be more involved in assisting with the discovery of cures for cancer. This position proved to be very rewarding and she discovered that she was able to observe the unbelievable miracles of medicine. Gria was eventually promoted to a Clinical Research Coordinator, where she managed several staff and is recognized as an author in numerous medical journals and articles.  If you take a moment to Google “Gria Jacobs” you will have the opportunity to see some of those recognitions for yourself!  

In 2013 Gria was in a serious 7 floor elevator drop where she sustained multiple injuries. Due to the severity of her injuries she could not always perform her job duties in the capacity required and after being out of work for over a year, due to her disability, the position could not be held and in August 2014 her relationship with Memorial Sloan Kettering was terminated.

Although her health was compromised, she continued to pursue her education and on September 14, 2014 Gria graduated from University of Phoenix with her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services Management. This was one of her greatest accomplishments, as she always struggled in school and had been attending on and off for the past 24 years. Gria was floating on a cloud- her dreams were finally coming true!

Unfortunately this celebration was short lived – ten days later, on September 24, 2014, while at a routine doctor’s appointment for her back and neck injuries, she received news that would completely change her life forever.  Gria was informed that her mammogram showed some concerns.  Having prior knowledge of cancer research and experience reading reports she knew instantly that the results she was looking at were not good. She immediately made an appointment at the very hospital where she had worked for 12 years to have a comprehensive follow up.

On October 3rd 2014 a biopsy was performed and on October 6th she was given the diagnosis of breast cancer.  She immediately decided to remove the breast- chemotherapy and radiation were not in her realm of thinking- these were two things she feared.  On October 22, 2014 Gria lost her left breast in what is known as a left breast mastectomy.

Receiving this devastating news during Breast Cancer Awareness month seemed to make this all the more difficult!  Family and friends crowded Gria with support in many, many ways.  We all dressed in pink tutus and participated in the Breast Cancer Walk in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. We had a support party for her the night before the surgery and several friends honored her by providing a makeover before the surgery.

The plan was to wait 6 months and begin the reconstruction of the breast, however there began to be complications.  Since the October surgery she has had 4 more surgeries due to her body rejecting the implant and involving the drain removal.  Through all this she walks with a smile on her face although I can see she is beginning to become beat down. 

Gria has applied for Disability Benefits, however was denied. She has appealed that decision and is in the process of applying for assistance from the city, however right now she is struggling with everyday living.  Gria needs help to pay her monthly bills.  Family and friends have been helping; however things are not getting easier for her.  She has constant setbacks in her healing process and is not able to work according to her doctor.  

Gria’s goal is to obtain her Master of Science degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology and seeing what new exciting careers await her. She is looking forward to a happy and healthy life once she gets through this, however right now she needs a little help.  Stress is one of the worst things for someone with cancer.  PLEASE HELP MY FAMILY THROUGH THESE HARD TIMES BY CONTRIBUTING TO OUR FUND RAISING EFFORTS TO HELP GRIA CONTINUE TO PAY FOR HER LIFE INSURANCE, PURCHASE FOOD, AND MAINTAIN MONTHLY LIVING EXPENSES AND JUST LIVE A LITTLE LESS STRESSFULE UNTIL DISABILITY BENEFITS COME THROUGH- GIVING MAKES YOU FEEL GOOD AND IS SOMETHING THAT COMES BACK TO YOU TENFOLD!

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Donations 

  • Anonymous
    • $100 
    • 8 yrs
  • WENDELL KING
    • $50 (Offline)
    • 9 yrs
Donate

Organizer

Lorraine Jacobs
Organizer
New York, NY

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