Help Jocelyn Fight Cancer

Hi, our names are Toby and Darlena, and, along with our daughters Mandy and Natalie, we're sharing a request for help. As some may know, our beloved sister-in-law and aunt, Jocelyn Kellogg, was recently diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer.

A few months ago, Jocelyn was working in her Ventura gift and floral shop, A Beautiful Day, when she unexpectedly collapsed and had a seizure. After this happened, her physician ordered her to stay home from work, with someone staying with her, as her medical team worked to find out what exactly was causing her to have seizures. A few weeks later, she had a CT scan and was given the sobering news that the doctors had found a tumor in her brain.

From there, Jocelyn and her husband Casey decided to schedule surgery at UCLA right away to remove as much of the tumor as possible while still protecting her memory. During the operation, the doctors found two additional tumors and confirmed an official diagnosis: Glioblastoma -- a malignant brain tumor that grows and spreads quickly.

We all know that Jocelyn is a fighter -- her doctors included. She recently completed her first round of intense chemotherapy and radiation. Of course, these grueling treatments leave the body weak, and she’s resting and recovering from that now.

Many people in Jocelyn’s life know that her gift is bringing beauty and joy to others at the most important times of their lives. Her life’s work has been running her lovely shop and floral business that has artfully enhanced her community over the years. She’s able to craft the most amazing works of floral art and decor, giving each of her clients and their guests a personalized and meaningful atmosphere for their special day. In other words, she has always used her gift to shower people with love and beauty in a way that makes them feel special and celebrated. This is our chance to bless her and her family back.

Aside from the business that she has dedicated so much of her life to, Jocelyn is a wonderful mother, sister, aunt, and friend. She is compassionate, thoughtful, creative, supportive, and feisty with a sharp wit! She is incredibly hardworking – the kind of person who gets things done!

This has been incredibly challenging for Jocelyn, Casey, and their grown children, Will, Matt, and Julia. Thankfully, Julia just graduated from college out of state and is back home in Ventura, so they are all living close together now during this time of treatment.

We’ve heard that many of you – Jocelyn’s neighbors, friends, and coworkers – have greatly supported her and her family by providing delicious meals, joining her on neighborhood walks, and keeping her company as she battles brain cancer. You are tremendously appreciated!

As you can imagine, the medical bills are mounting (some of them not covered by insurance), and with Jocelyn being unable to run her store or work at her other job at Trader Joe’s, this situation is very tough on their family. They need our help financially, and this is where we can all pitch in. So we humbly ask that you donate if you can, and please share this page as widely as possible.

Thank you so very much,

The Santa Barbara Kelloggs