My name is Jessica. I am a mother of four and a grandmother of two, and just four days ago, I received the devastating news that I have aggressive breast cancer. My surgery is scheduled for December 2nd, only eleven days after my diagnosis. The doctors will be removing my entire left breast and up to 20 lymph nodes from my armpit, which means I’ll have to recover with drainage tubes for at least six weeks. I won’t know about chemo or radiation until after the surgery, and the uncertainty is overwhelming.

As the only one able to work in my household, I am terrified about how I’ll pay our bills, keep food on the table, and make it to all my appointments. My insurance will cover most of the surgery, but not the special post-surgery supplies or all the costs if I need chemo and radiation. I have not had any time to prepare for this, and I will have no income during my recovery. My family is depending on me, and I am desperate to make sure they are taken care of while I fight this battle.

This is all very unexpected, and I haven’t had time to prepare for my family’s needs during this difficult time. My husband, Josh, and my 9-year-old son, Joey, are going through this with me. Joey lost his dad in 2021, and now he’s scared of losing his mom too. We’ve been through so much already, and I want my family to know that there are people who care and will help us in desperate and emotional times. Any support, no matter how small, would mean the world to us. Thank you for reading our story and for any help you can give.