Jodie's Journey

Thank you so much for taking the time to read about what Jodie is going through and faces over the next few months. We really appreciate your time, and any help you can give, from the bottom of our hearts.

For those who don’t know: In May 2017 Jodie had to stop working because she was really unwell - due to what Doctor’s believe was a trapped nerve. However, as Jodie’s severe pain did not improve she was given further tests and scans over the next few months … after many visits to the hospital she was told on the 3rd October 2017 that what she had wasn’t a nerve problem at all - it was a very rare cancer: Ewings Sarcoma.

Very soon afterwards Jodie had her first round of chemotherapy, the first of five gruelling rounds that she will have between October and January 2018, and she has already suffered all of the difficult side effects of chemotherapy, including complete loss of her hair.

Jodie’s journey is not something that any 21 year old can begin to imagine going through. At one of the most exciting times of life - when dreams of travel, new jobs and creating a home are what most 21 year olds are planning and doing - Jodie is having to endure the debilitating and long treatment for this rare cancer, with everything else put on hold.

Jodie has been told that the best treatment that the NHS can offer is Proton Therapy in America, so she will have to travel to the US in February 2018 for around ten weeks to undergo more arduous and intensive treatment to fight this disease. The NHS covers the cost of the treatment, flights and accommodation whilst in the US - but no other costs like travel to and from the hospital or food are covered. After this Jodie will have to come home and have surgery, followed by a further 8 rounds of chemotherapy. It is difficult to comprehend how someone so young could find the strength and courage to endure all of this. But, we know Jodie. We know that she is strong and resilient and will face all of this with bravery and courage.

Jodie and her family really need our help though to make all of this treatment possible - there are practical, day to day issues and problems that we want to alleviate so that she can fully focus on healing and returning to full health.

Jodie will obviously be unable to work throughout this time, however, her Mum Irene will also have to travel to America with Jodie to look after her - which not be able to work for a number of months. Jodie and Irene really need our help with their living costs during this time - with no income they need to keep their home in the UK, and cover their basic living costs whilst in the US.

We are so desperate to see this beautiful, resilient and amazing young woman get better and live a life full of happiness and good health and we will do any thing we can do to practically help her. So, we are asking you to spare as much or as little as you can to show Jodie your support and help both Jodie and Irene focus on Jodie’s health rather than their finances. Every donation will make a big difference.

Thank you so, so much - Jodie's Friends and Family x