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Life presents many challenges. Nothing is more emotionally, physically and financially trying than to watch your loved one battle an aggressive form of cancer that would ultimately take their life. That's exactly what happened to Chuck and Emma.
The extent of the Willards' medical dilemmas didn't start at Jen's cancer diagnosis, but began when Emma presented with a very rare cyst that grew on her neck called a Brachial Cleft Cyst. After months of having the cyst drained, fevers and pain; Emma had surgery to remove it- only to have complications requiring more surgery and a longer recovery time.
At that time Jen stayed by her side, as any loving mother would, taking FMLA and using up her paid time off to make sure her daughter fully recovered.
One month later, just when they thought their problems were behind them, Jen found out she had cervical cancer after a routine exam. The news was devastating enough, but then her biopsy revealed that she had Neuroendocrine Small Cell Cervical Cancer- the rarest and most aggressive form of cervical cancer, with an 80% mortality rate.
Jen underwent a hysterectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation. It wasn't an easy road and for several months she suffered through many side effects, but she completed the course and was cancer free in December.
Everything seemed positive! She felt great! Her next step was a PET scan 6 months from that date.
Unfortunately, in March, Jen presented with new symptoms. CT scans revealed that her cancer had come back, with a vengeance. She had several inoperable masses and her only option was to start chemo again...
During all this, and almost until the end of her life, she had to fight with her insurance company and benefits department. She had used so much FMLA and PTO during Emma's surgeries, she had little left for herself. Ultimately, there was a lapse in her employment due to her treatments and Jen had to fight- not just cancer-but, the ability to fight it because of a lack of medical coverage. It was an extremely stressful time for her and the family in so many ways.
Jen fought hard till her last breath. The disease was too powerful and grew too quickly... She left this world late last week where she is no longer suffering and in pain.
She was an amazing mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend and she was an incredible nurse.
As you can assume, medical bills keep coming in and the debt that has accrued is stifling the family of now 2. All donations would be going towards those bills and to help Chuck and Emma get back on their feet. Even a little will help! Thank you so much!
Jen's Obituary
The extent of the Willards' medical dilemmas didn't start at Jen's cancer diagnosis, but began when Emma presented with a very rare cyst that grew on her neck called a Brachial Cleft Cyst. After months of having the cyst drained, fevers and pain; Emma had surgery to remove it- only to have complications requiring more surgery and a longer recovery time.
At that time Jen stayed by her side, as any loving mother would, taking FMLA and using up her paid time off to make sure her daughter fully recovered.
One month later, just when they thought their problems were behind them, Jen found out she had cervical cancer after a routine exam. The news was devastating enough, but then her biopsy revealed that she had Neuroendocrine Small Cell Cervical Cancer- the rarest and most aggressive form of cervical cancer, with an 80% mortality rate.
Jen underwent a hysterectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation. It wasn't an easy road and for several months she suffered through many side effects, but she completed the course and was cancer free in December.
Everything seemed positive! She felt great! Her next step was a PET scan 6 months from that date.
Unfortunately, in March, Jen presented with new symptoms. CT scans revealed that her cancer had come back, with a vengeance. She had several inoperable masses and her only option was to start chemo again...
During all this, and almost until the end of her life, she had to fight with her insurance company and benefits department. She had used so much FMLA and PTO during Emma's surgeries, she had little left for herself. Ultimately, there was a lapse in her employment due to her treatments and Jen had to fight- not just cancer-but, the ability to fight it because of a lack of medical coverage. It was an extremely stressful time for her and the family in so many ways.
Jen fought hard till her last breath. The disease was too powerful and grew too quickly... She left this world late last week where she is no longer suffering and in pain.
She was an amazing mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend and she was an incredible nurse.
As you can assume, medical bills keep coming in and the debt that has accrued is stifling the family of now 2. All donations would be going towards those bills and to help Chuck and Emma get back on their feet. Even a little will help! Thank you so much!
Jen's Obituary