Join Us in Giving Hope to Jennifer Bassols

It is a pleasure to introduce one of my most favorite people, Jennifer Bassols.

Jennifer is a faithful servant of God, a loving wife, daughter, and mother to 3 wonderful kids. She is one of the most compassionate, kind souls you will ever meet. She loves people and would go out of her way to serve anyone a meal or help those around her in any way. Jennifer was an elementary teacher for 23 years, mostly in the Almont community, and touched many lives with her love for children and community. She poured her soul into not only her own kids but the children of the community, loving the kids like her own every day.

In 2022, Jennifer was diagnosed with a rare appendiceal cancer (also known as PMP cancer) following a surgery for a ruptured appendix. Thankfully, they were led to an amazing surgical oncologist right here in Michigan, Dr. Berri, who has experience in her specific cancer and spent a lot of time talking to Jennifer and David and answering their questions. In May of 2022, she had major abdominal surgery, which surgeons call the mother of all surgeries, cytoreductive surgery. The surgery took 11 hours and is described as an extensive open abdominal surgery, which included removing visible cancer and nearby tissues from the abdominal cavity. For Jennifer, this meant the removal of 1/3 of her colon, portions of her small intestine, the omentum, all reproductive organs, a portion of her liver, and a portion of her peritoneal lining. Then the doctors used HIPEC chemotherapy to get rid of any cells of cancer that could be left. She was in the hospital for 2 weeks after this surgery, and David was staying nearby to assist Jennifer. After her hospital stay, Jennifer had a long-term infection that lasted 6 months.

While operating, they found a few spots and ended up rating her with Stage 4 appendiceal/PMP cancer. Believing that they removed all the cancer during the surgery, she was declared NED (no evidence of disease). The doctors had a great outlook on her outcome and future, with routine scans recommended every 6 months. They felt that it would not come back and were encouraged, feeling that Jennifer beat the odds.

Shockingly though, 2 years later, during routine scans, they found 2 more cancerous areas on Jennifer’s liver and diaphragm. So she went through another cytoreductive surgery in February of 2024. During this surgery, they removed part of her diaphragm, part of her liver, and part of the surrounding membranes, and then did the HIPEC chemotherapy again.

During this process, Jennifer felt led to seek out integrative care and treatment in addition to her traditional oncological team to try to attack the cancer systemically – taking a proactive approach instead of just being reactive. Much of her complete treatment plan is not covered under insurance. This includes some hospital expenses, lab work, portions of the surgery, and aftercare costs. Her cancer is a 1 in a million rare cancer. Traveling out of state to a specialty clinic that has comprehensive experience, knowledge, and an integrative approach is going to be in Jennifer’s near future. This is necessary to make sure that her body can fight on all levels and give her anything and everything to beat this cancer once and for all.

As the whole Bassols family faces the unimaginable, let’s allow them to lean on others. The financial burden from the last 2 years is adding up and putting significant strain on an already difficult situation. The future will be very daunting for Jennifer as she continues to meet with her oncology team, see her integrative team, and do her routine scans and bloodwork; all the while praying and asking God to heal her body.

Jennifer means so much to her friends and family, and we are asking if you will partner with us in prayer and financially if you are able to help relieve some of the burden this has placed on their whole family. It has been hard for Jennifer and her family to accept the help; it’s always been their heart to serve and love others. But 2 years later, we have convinced Jennifer to allow us to set this up for her and her family to help provide the funds to be able to seek the treatments she needs, without worrying about how they will survive the future financially and allowing them to focus on Jennifer’s recovery and healing. Every moment in prayer and every donation makes a significant difference in her being able to afford the treatment she needs and gives the family hope. Even the smallest contribution will go a long way. If contributing right now isn’t an option, we humbly ask that you would share her story with your social networks to spread awareness and hope.

Lastly and most importantly, we are asking for you to pray for God to heal Jennifer’s body. The apostle Paul spoke truth in saying that in the end, only three things remain: Faith, Hope, and Love. Jennifer has strong faith; continue to pray for hope to surround her and her family, and lastly, let’s show them all love (the greatest of these).

From the depths of our hearts, thank you for taking the time to read her story and consider a donation. Your kindness and prayers are a beacon of hope in the darkest hour.

With gratitude and love,

Ginnie Wade

Friend of the Bassols Family