Amir and Jessica's cancer journey

 

Hey friends, Kyle here. As many of you know I have been taking ministry trips to Belize for the last decade or so. Over the years, I have grown to love the people, culture, and beauty of this Caribbean country. Some of my best friends in the world live there and I keep in touch with them on a regular basis. Two of these friends of mine are Amir and Jessica Fernandez (and daughter Jemma). They have a heart for God and ministry and recently hosted me when I was there this last summer. They joyously shared with me that they were pregnant with their second child (at the same time my wife was pregnant) and were expecting his arrival in the New Year.

 

However, right before their son Jessiah was born, Jessica was diagnosed with breast cancer. They had to act quickly because this was so close to the due date. This type of cancer (hormonal reactive stage 2) cannot be treated in Belize so they had to make the 7 hour drive to a hospital in Merida Mexico, Star Medica, for treatment. Jessiah was delivered 3 weeks early by C-section and after meeting with an oncologist, they recommended chemotherapy right away. This is to shrink the tumor in order for her to have surgery, followed by radiation. Jessica has already had the first of eight chemo treatments and these will be every 3 weeks. Each of these treatments cost 1500 Belizean dollars (around 750 US dollars). There is a possibility that all 8 of these treatments will not be needed if the CT scan shows significant reduction in the size of the tumor. That scan to check the tumor size will be done after the third treatment. 

 

On top of these medical expenses, there are other hoops to jump through for them with border crossings, Covid tests, and gas and lodging. They do not have any type of medical insurance and will have to cover these costs out of pocket and the medical services as they are provided. Her next treatment will be mid-February. 

 

My heart goes out to Amir and Jessica not only because they are my good friends and a brother and sister in Christ but because I have been in their shoes before. When my wife was diagnosed with cancer a few years ago, we had two young children and had no idea how hard the journey ahead would be. But because of God’s people praying for us, supporting us, and serving us, we made it through, making that season a little more bearable. So, I ask that you pray for Amir and Jessica and consider giving to their cause. Thank you!