My name is Adrienne and I have had the honor of knowing Bev  Nielsen Jeffers since I was 5 years old.  Bev has not only been an amazing friend, but also a second mom to me throughout all the years and the crazy shenanigans of my life.  Bev is an amazing mother of 3 and grandmother of 2.  She has worked in a school district for over 19 years working with Special Day Class students.  Her life is full of love and laughter and she always brightens any room she walks into with her infectious smile, laugh and amazing dance moves.





 I am now hoping to be able to give back to her through the current fight for her life that she is facing. 

 Her First Cancer Diagnosis:

In October of 2003 Bev had a tumor removed from her breast, a lumpectomy. The pathology report indicated that the tumor was malignant thus she began her fight with Breast Cancer.  After a clear reading of her lymph nodes in November, she began chemotherapy on December 5th 2003.  She endured 6 rounds of chemotherapy followed by a second surgery, this time a bilateral mastectomy, the complete removal of both breasts.

 Following the mastectomy, Bev was delivered the devastating news that cancer was found not only in the first breast but also in the second one.  This resulted in an  additional 6 rounds of chemotherapy.  Bev earned her badge of survivor on October 9th, 2004.

 
SURVIVOR:


Following her initial diagnosis in 2003 Bev has made it part of her life’s mission to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research.  She completed 13 breast cancer walks including the 3 day 60 mile walk 4 times.  Through her fund raising efforts, Bev raised more than $30,000.00 for breast cancer research, an amazing feat!

 
Second Cancer Diagnosis:

 Since becoming a breast cancer survivor Bev has an annual oncology appointment every October where they check her tumor markers to make sure that there are no signs of cancer.  Bev went in, in October of 2015 and then went back 6 months later in April of 2016 at which time she was rechecked. The tumor markers came back elevated.

Her oncologist ordered a battery of tests including an ultra sound, bone scan, a Uroscan, and a CT scan.   All tests except the CT scan came back negative.  Unfortunately, the CT scan showed a growth behind her left ovary.  She had a more extensive CT scan and additional blood work. At this time it was determined that she had cancer again. 

Bev will undergo surgery on September 1, 2016 at UCSD Morris Cancer Treatment Center. At this time there are still many unknowns.  The severity of the cancer and course of treatment can’t be determined until after the surgery.  The doctors are unsure if the cancer is contained to the tumor behind her ovary, or if it also involves her other ovary, her uterus, or intestines.

 
I can’t begin to understand how devastating it is to be told you have cancer again after being a survivor to this awful disease for 13 years.  I am hoping that we can come together and help relieve some of the financial strain and stress that Bev will be facing during this fight.  Bev has enough time saved up at work to be able to take two weeks off but disability insurance only pays for a limited time and covers only a portion of one’s salary.  Since Bev is unsure of what treatment she will be facing, the total amount of her medical bills are unknown.

 I have set a goal to raise $15,000 to help with Bev’s daily and medical expenses and to supplement her income so that she can focus on healing rather than worrying about getting back to work.

 
If you would like to help me meet my goals for Bev, please make a donation. If you are not able to do that at this time, I ask that you please keep Bev in your thoughts and prayers. She is fighting for her life once again and needs our support.

 

I will continue to update the progress of this campaign as news develops. Our goal together is to one day soon hear from Bev that she is once again a SURVIVOR! Thank you.