Hello community, friends, and family! For those who don’t know me, my name is Jessica Griffen. I’m a single/separated mama of two wonderful children, ages 6 and 8, and I have been battling breast cancer over the last two years.

After undergoing a mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation treatment, and now daily medication and injections, I am entering the final phase of my healing journey as I prepare for the first of two breast reconstruction surgeries.

On September 4, I will have my first breast reconstruction surgery—a procedure called a DIEP flap.

DIEP flap surgery involves removing a flap of tissue from the lower belly, hip to hip, which is then transferred to the chest to rebuild the breast. The tissue flap includes skin, fat, blood vessels, and sometimes nerves. Using microsurgery, the surgeon connects the flap’s blood vessels to those in the chest, creating a reconstructed breast with its own blood supply. The surgery lasts about eight hours, followed by an eight-week recovery.

Next year, I will have a revision surgery once everything has settled. During this procedure, they will build a new nipple, smooth out any imperfections, and lift my natural breast to align with the reconstructed one. The recovery for this surgery is about six weeks.

Although the DIEP flap surgery is intensive and requires a longer recovery, it is safer and more natural than implants—which need replacing every 10 years and can leak or cause sickness.

I am incredibly grateful for this chance to reclaim my wholeness as a woman. Both of my children were breastfed and have mourned the loss of cuddling up to Mommy’s chest. They’ve been looking forward to me being whole again, as they were quite traumatized when I had my breast removed.

As I prepare for this next step, I humbly ask my community for financial support to help me through this coming year.

I will be out of work for 14 weeks total during surgery recovery—not including regular doctor visits and follow-ups. I have an amazing team of doctors at UC Davis in Sacramento, and I am deeply grateful to them. However, traveling that distance means gas and transportation costs add up quickly.

During my disability leave, I will receive some pay, but from experience last year during active treatment, there is roughly a $750 monthly income gap that I’ll need to cover.

I am already considered low-income and barely make ends meet on my current wages. The survival of me and my family depends on the compassionate support of loved ones and community members.

I’m asking for help to cover lost wages during recovery, gas expenses for doctor appointments, supplements and medical supplies for healing, housecleaning assistance while I’m unable to do physical tasks, and childcare support.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story and consider supporting me and my family. Donations from loved ones and my wonderful community have been the only reason I’ve made it this far. I am deeply grateful to everyone who has supported me along the way. Thanks to the funds raised in my previous GoFundMe, I have made it to this point.

I’m so close to the finish line. Please help me take these final steps toward healing, as I step into my wholeness and cherish the precious life I’ve been gifted, moving forward with gratitude and love in my heart alongside my beautiful family.

Every little bit helps. Whether you can donate or simply share my story, your support means the world to me and my family. Thank you for being part of this journey. ❤️