Join Jessica's Fight: Conquer Breast Cancer Together

My name is Kim Eidson and I met Jessica and her family three years ago when I began teaching at Ball Ground Stem Academy. We were team teachers for three years before I retired. Jessica is one of the best people and teachers that I have ever met. She has given so much of herself to others, I wanted to give friends, family and our community a chance to show her that same love and support.

On April 12th, after several doctor's visits and biopsies, she got the call that no family ever wants to hear. You have cancer. She was diagnosed with breast cancer that was classified as stage 2 invasive lobular carcinoma. No family history and no genetics. In the words of her doctor, "You are going to be okay, but we have a lot of work to do. This is a sneaky cancer, so we have to be smarter than it is."

That began her journey of discovery through test after test to determine where the cancer was and how to treat it. After the MRI, it turned out that the tumor was far larger than the ultrasound revealed, so being aggressive was the key. The treatment plan began on May 8th with four rounds of the meanest chemo there is out there. It has been nicknamed "the red devil." On July 3rd, the next phase began with weekly chemotherapy for 12 weeks.

After chemo, a double mastectomy will take place at the end of October followed by reconstruction several months later. Once the mastectomy is complete, they will determine if more chemo or radiation is needed. Endocrine therapy will start after surgery either way for roughly five years.

While Jessica does have insurance, the out of pocket costs have already exceeded $5000 with more to come with surgery, imaging, endocrine therapy, potential radiation, etc. spilling into the upcoming years. As working adults, we all know that there is no such thing as unlimited paid time off. Sick days will be used wisely, but they will run out.

In the meantime, Jessica is still trying to b e a supportive mom to all of her children and make memories with her family before returning to the classroom this year.

Any donation given will go to pay for outstanding medical bills. If those are paid through your generosity, the remaining funds will be used for further medical expenses as they arise.

Thank you for reading her story! Let's show her how much she is loved!