Help Jean Win Her Battle Against Cancer

I am starting this Go Fund Me for my cousin and dearest friend, Jean. Some of us are lucky enough to have friends who become "family" but I've been blessed to know my sweet cousin since we were just toddlers, and ultimately grew up to be the best of friends. This 40 year friendship has been filled with so much laughter and joy, but now she is facing the biggest challenge of her life.

 

This past July, Jean was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. She finished her first round of chemo and is currently in the 9th week of a four month weekly chemo regimen. Once this chemo regimen is complete, she will have a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. Due to the complexity of her case, these surgeries will be done out of state at a larger hospital to provide more specialized care. After recovery, she will need to undergo radiation therapy. Then at some point down the line, she will have a complete hysterectomy. The costs for treatment, travel, lodging, and food, on top of everyday expenses will likely escalate, as they are already. Unfortunately, the financial realities of having a serious medical illness, such as cancer, only add to the weight and burden of this battle.

 

First and foremost, Jean loves her family. The heart of this campaign stems from that love and concern for them. She adores her college sweetheart, Steve, who has been by her side for more than 20 years. She is a devoted mom to twins, Bishop and Lilli. Sixteen years ago, Jean and Steve were blessed with these two miracle babies, born at 24 weeks, who have now grown into beautiful and kind-hearted 10th graders. She also loves animals. I couldn't count how many animals she has homed, from ferrets to dogs. Right now she is mom to two fur balls, Foxy and Canyon. Since her diagnosis, Jean has had to step away from two other passions: her role as coach for the Kanawha River Wildcats, a youth mountain bike team, and also from her job for the past 12 years as an elementary and middle school nurse in the Kanawha County school system. It has always been in her nature to help others, but as expected, she can no longer work because of the effects her treatments.

 

We often hear of people "fighting cancer" but I am in awe to see Jean fight this battle with such courage, grace, and faith. Those who know Jean, know her strength is probably not so much from her height (lol...) but from her big, loving, thoughtful heart. She still has a long road ahead but it is my hope that by sharing her story in this forum, Jean and her family will receive the love, support, and most of all the prayers that she truly needs right now.