Join Jessica in her fight with pancreatic cancer

No matter how old your children get, as a parent, you never stop worrying. So, in November 2023 when I heard the words, “Your daughter has cancer,” I felt hopeless and helpless. Jessica was diagnosed with Stage 1 pancreatic cancer after months of not feeling well, numerous pancreatic attacks, many hospital stays, and months of doctor’s appointments and testing. The type of cancer she has is inoperable. Instead of a tumor that could be removed, she has cancer cells throughout her pancreas.

She started radiation treatments on December 11, five days a week for six weeks. The cost of those treatments was approximately $4,000 out-of-pocket expense per treatment. During that same time, she had to have many blood transfusions and Immunity IV therapy. Radiation therapy has taken a toll on her body and her overall health. Two weeks following her last radiation treatment, she had her second PET scan. The results revealed no change in her numbers (the amount of cancer cells has not changed).

The doctors have now decided to try two experimental treatments. The first one is 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU). This is a chemo pill, which is not new but is new in treating pancreatic cancer. The second treatment is Brachytherapy, in which they will place radioactive material (seeds) into her pancreas. Jessica is being told there is no cure, but the goal is to prolong Stage 1 and keep the cancer from spreading outside of the pancreas.

In the process of scheduling these treatments, we found out they are not covered by her insurance because the insurance company deems them experimental for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. The 5-FU treatments are approximately $10,000 per pill, and Jessica will need 10 doses. The Brachytherapy is $12,000 per treatment, and she will need two treatments. She also will need a PET scan every three months, and the insurance company will only allow and pay for two per year. The cost of the PET scans is $2,500 per scan.

We anticipate that out-of-pocket expenses will continue. We have had so many people express concern about Jessica and ask what they can do to help — we all feel kind of lost right now and have no idea where to begin. Getting this GoFundMe set up was all I could think to do right now, as a mother, hoping to relieve some of the burden Jessica and her husband, Ray, are feeling on top of having a cancer diagnosis — not to mention the stress her children, Josh and Payton, are experiencing as they watch their mother battle this horrible disease.

Thank you in advance for your prayers and support. Jessica and her entire family truly appreciate all your help and hope as she undergoes cancer treatment.