Help Our Friend Jacqueline Beat Cancer

My name is Jacqueline, I’m 58 years old, and I was recently diagnosed with Stage IV Colon Cancer. I am a mom to three wonderful children, have been a nurse for 37 years, and, prior to my diagnosis, I lived an active lifestyle. In my free time I enjoy catching up with friends and family, exercising, and­­­­ learning to play the piano. I am currently nurse faculty at a large research university, practicing nurse practitioner in a cardiology clinic, and just finished my PhD in nursing.

My story began 7 months ago in September 2018 when I started experiencing continuous abdominal pain and constipation. I went to see my gastroenterologist in October who ordered a CT scan of the abdomen and a colonoscopy.  I had previously received a colonoscopy in 2017 that was determined to be normal. For this reason, I was not expecting the devastating news I received from the doctor. I was told my CT scan showed colon cancer that was metastasized to the liver.  The repeat colonoscopy confirmed a 3-inch tumor in the colon.  I met with the oncologist and was told my treatment plan will be indefinite chemo therapy and, because of the metastasis, surgery was not an option at this time. 

Within a couple of weeks, I had a port-a-cath line inserted, biopsies, and started chemotherapy.  My treatment consists of chemotherapy (Leucovorin, Oxaliplatin, 5-FU, and Avastin) every 2 weeks where I receive a 4-hour infusion of chemotherapy in the cancer clinic. I am then sent home with a pump that delivers continuous chemotherapy for the next 2 days.  In between treatments are doctor visits and repeated scans to determine my response to the chemotherapy.  As of now, my cancer has remained unchanged.  I have obtained two consultations for my illness, one from Northwestern Memorial Hospital and another from the University of Illinois at Chicago.  I would like to be able to obtain an additional consultation from a top-ranked cancer center as published by U.S. News and World Report. These centers include Memorial Sloan-Kettering, MD Anderson Cancer Center, or H. Lee Moffit Cancer Center. My goal with the additional consultation(s) is for me to enter into a clinical trial for colon cancer and possibly help to find a cure.  If anyone has any recommendations or contacts with any of the top ranked cancer centers please reach out to me. 


Allow me share a little bit about myself.  My greatest joy in life is watching my three children grow into the adults they have become. Ever since they were little I always encouraged them to find their passion and pursue that path in life. Through many efforts of trying to find their place in this world I am proud to say that I think each of them found their true calling. My oldest son, who works in the field of sports therapy, has been with me for all my doctor appointments, diagnostic tests, and chemotherapy treatments. My middle child has been a lifeline I’ve used for years to take a step back from work or school and discuss many of the things in life we often take for granted. Finally, my youngest child has been my largest inspiration. She took the largest leap of all, leaving the house out of high school to pursue a career as a music performer. My children have really put life in perspective in that their experiences have differed so much from my own at their age. However, they were each able to overcome different adversities to accomplish the goals they set out to achieve. In addition to the value I have towards family and friends, I find passion in exploring the outdoors and enjoy running and bicycling.

Professionally, I teach nursing at a large research university in Chicago and I am a nurse practitioner with a practice in the area of cardiology.  My passion to provide holistic care for others led me to pursue my doctorate in nursing. Through my doctorate I conducted research to examine the impact of depression and anxiety on healthy behaviors and quality of life in individuals with heart disease.  One of my goals is to break down the stigma that depression and anxiety have in society and to allow these illnesses to be accepted, discussed, and treated as openly as other illnesses, such as high blood pressure or diabetes.  I provide education on heart disease prevention in the community and present at large nursing conferences.  I was named a Jonas Nurse Leadership Scholar where I developed and implemented depression screening for cardiology clinics.

            The symptoms from the cancer and chemotherapy has made it impossible for me to return to work.  As a result, the medical bills and daily living expenses are beginning to add up.  My goal with the Go Fund Me campaign is to help pay for current and upcoming medical bills, a medical consultation at a U.S. News & World Report top ranked cancer center, and financial support.

            There is no such thing as a small donation and I am grateful and blessed that you read my story. I value any help or kind words that can provide me with hope along the way. I thank you all in advance for your prayers, support, and kind generosity.

Please feel free to share Jacqueline’s story.  http://gf.me/u/sc9bns