Donate to help Jess Colby Fund

As many of you know, Jess Colby was admitted to the hospital on May 9th after discovering a tumor within her spinal canal at the L4/L5 vertebrae. She was diagnosed with a Myxopapillary Ependymoma, a rare grade 2 cancerous tumor. Following a 9-hour surgery, two weeks in the hospital, and six weeks out of work, Jess began the long road of physical therapy. While it seemed that the most challenging part of her journey was behind her, further consultations with her medical team revealed the need for additional treatment to prevent the tumor from returning.

To minimize the chances of recurrence, Jess will undergo proton radiation therapy. Unfortunately, the proton center at UAB, which is just minutes from her home, is not currently operational. This means Jess will need to travel to Atlanta, Georgia, where the closest proton center is located. Her treatment will begin on September 10, 2024, and will last for six weeks, with daily sessions Monday through Friday.

When this GoFundMe was first created, Jess and her family were overwhelmed with the outpouring of support and were able to use the $12,000 raised to pay off every single medical bill from her surgery and hospital stay, leaving them debt-free. However, they now face another challenging period. As a business owner, Jess will once again be unable to work for six weeks. The costs of room and board in Atlanta, along with additional medical expenses and living costs, are significant.

Carter, Jess’s partner, will remain at home to continue working and maintain their household. This means Jess will be in Atlanta alone during her treatment, adding to the emotional and financial strain they’re already facing. In a world that doesn’t always cater to those battling illness, this is an incredibly stressful and frightening time for them. While they don’t expect anything beyond what has already been given, they would deeply appreciate any additional support.

Jess and I have become close friends over the past four years as I’ve seen her pour her heart into her business, working tirelessly to achieve her goals and dreams. As a business owner, Jess doesn’t have the safety net of paid time off or medical leave. She and Carter have already endured a long journey of surgery, hospital stays, recovery, and physical therapy, with Carter taking weeks off work to support Jess in her healing. Unfortunately, Carter is unable to take more time off to be with Jess during her treatment.

Your donations have meant the world to them, allowing them to cover medical bills and focus on Jess’s recovery. If you’re able to offer any support during this next phase of her cancer journey, they would be eternally grateful.

Every little bit helps to ease their burden and allow them to concentrate on what truly matters—Jess’s recovery and healing. Thank you for your kindness and generosity.