Help Jess Fight Cancer

Dear Family, Friends, and Caring Strangers,

Our beautiful Jess, has recently been diagnosed with Stage 4 Metastatic Rectal Cancer. Unfortunately, her cancer has spread from the colon to surrounding lymph nodes and liver. Jessica has always been a pillar of strength and positivity in our lives, bringing joy and light to everyone she meets. Now, she needs our help more than ever. Jess underwent a round of radiation and completed a full cycle of chemotherapy. she has been working with wonderful medical and surgical oncologists at Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York City for additional testing and guidance. She had a liver pump surgically placed in March and has been receiving chemo through that and additionally in her main port. Since her pump placement, she has had to fly up multiple times to adjust the flow due to the chemotherapy leaking into her spleen, pancreas, duodenum, and stomach. Unfortunately, even after all these attempts, they have not been able to route the chemo strictly to her liver so they are advising to discontinue the pump. Although her radiation an chemotherapy have been effective, it is still not enough. The next possible step is another scary one. We are hopeful she will be a candidate for a liver transplant in the next few months. In order to get the ball rolling for this, she will need to undergo surgery to remove any residual cancer outside of the liver. If Jessica gets approved for a new liver (fingers crossed), she will need frequent monitoring as well a life of immunosuppressants.

We want to help support Jess and her sweet family not only emotionally but also financially. Therefore, we are setting up and continuing this fund to help the Thornton family with any increasing care they need, medical bills, commutes to appts and necessary flights/hotel stays, etc. We are graciously asking for these monetary donations as they will allow Jessica to focus on her fight without the added stress of financial strain.

Jess is taking on this fight like the absolute optimist she has always been- with hope, and one hell of a positive attitude. Anyone who has met Jessica knows she radiates strength, kindness, love, laughter, and infectious, joyful energy. She has always been there for others in times of need. Now it is our turn to support her and lift her up during these tough times. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for keeping Jessica and her family in your thoughts and for your generosity and compassion!

How You Can Help:

1. Donate: Any amount, big or small, will make a difference. Every dollar brings us one step closer to easing Jessica and Ian's burden.

2. Share: Spread the word by sharing this page with your family and friends. The more people who know Jess's story, the more support we can gather.

3. Messages of Support: Your words of encouragement mean the world to Jessica and her family. Please leave messages below!