Support Jessica's Fight Against Breast Cancer

Life changed in an instant for, Jessica, when she was recently diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer—an aggressive and fast-moving form of breast cancer that requires urgent, intensive treatment. At just 37, this diagnosis has turned her world upside down.

Jess is one of the strongest, kindest, most giving people I know. She's the friend who shows up—whether it's with a meal when you're sick, a shoulder to cry on during tough times, or a laugh when you need it most. She’s the kind of person who never asks for anything in return, which is why I’m asking on her behalf now.

I have to take this story back a little further, to bring the full picture of how tragic this diagnosis is for Jess, and her husband, BJ. In October of 2023, Jessica found out that she was pregnant. This was HUGE. She has longed to have a baby for many years. In January of 2024, it was discovered that Baby Boy Soto did not have a heartbeat. After genetic testing, it was determined that he had Triploidy (a fatal genetic disorder where a fetus gets an extra set of chromosomes). To say this devastated Jessica and BJ is an understatement. They have continued to want to conceive a child. Fast forward to February 2025, Jessica found a lump in her right breast. She immediately tried to make an appointment at BSW in Temple for a mammogram. She was told because she did not have a PCP within BSW she would have to establish care before they could schedule a mammogram because they would need a referral. It took several weeks before she was finally able to get an appointment. By the grace of God, a client/friend of hers was a provider and able to get her in and do the referral. On March 18, 2025, Jess had a biopsy done. The results received on March 24, 2025 confirmed that she had metastatic breast cancer. We immediately sent an application to MD Anderson for a 2nd opinion. Once again, God stepped in and Jess was able to go to MD Anderson on April 2, 2025. She had to undergo additional testing/biopsies. It was confirmed that the cancer had spread to lymph nodes in her chest and axilla (armpit). A PET scan was ordered and as of April 10th, 2025 her PET scan showed no distant metastasis and her breast cancer was officially diagnosed as Triple Negative Breast Cancer Stage 3C.

The oncologist immediately suggested fertility preservation because there is a very high likelihood that chemotherapy and associated medications will result in infertility. The process of harvesting eggs and freezing them needed to begin immediately. After paying out of pocket for medications, on April 23, 2025, Jessica was informed that her insurance would not cover any of the cost for the egg retrieval and freezing/storage of the eggs. The first round of treatment is $11,000 and must be paid on April 28,2025 prior to the procedure. Up to this point, all of the medications, copays, biopsies and ultrasounds have been paid out of pocket.

Because of her diagnosis, Jessica has had to stop working. The physical, mental and emotional toll of procedures, doctor visits, upcoming chemotherapy/radiation and ongoing treatment leaves her exhausted and unable to keep up with her job. On top of the emotional strain, she now faces overwhelming medical bills and the daily worry of how she’ll afford rent, food, and other necessities. The oncologist and surgical oncologist have both stated, best case scenario is that Jessica will endure treatment, procedures, and surgeries for the next 13 months. Now that the insurance company has denied coverage for fertility preservation, Jessica is feeling defeated and devastated. This has caused her to feel that cancer has taken her chance of ever being a mother away from her if we cannot raise the funds.

This is where we can step in—her community, her village, her people.

Every dollar donated will go directly toward covering Jessica’s medical expenses, daily living costs, and giving her peace of mind so she can focus on healing. If you're not in a position to donate, sharing this message or sending your prayers, love and support means the world.

Jessica has shown up for so many people in her life. It’s our turn to show up for her.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Christi Leitzke