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Thank you for taking the time to read this. I am writing to you because tragedy has struck someone’s family that is very dear to me; someone I consider family. For those of you that don’t know her, my girlfriend’s name is Jess Rodier. For those of you that do know her, you can’t help but adore her. Her family needs our help more than ever.
Jess’s mom, Judy, was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer (non-small cell adenocarcinoma) in August of 2015, even though she has never smoked a day in her life. Pathologists found a mutation in the ALK gene in her cancer cells, which aids in the creation of abnormal, and cancerous cells. Due to the presence of this mutated gene, she takes a pill twice a day to target the mutated gene instead of getting chemo treatments.
Judy has been responding extremely well to the “targeted pill therapy,” and the tumors in her lung and lymph nodes have not grown since. Unfortunately, the medication she is on does not protect the cancer from spreading to the brain, and small tumors were found to have spread to her brain in a scan at the end of September 2016.
That alone is heartbreaking, but let me give you a little back story. Judy has two daughters, Jess, who I have already mentioned, and her sister who will be turning 30 in November. Jess’s sister was born with Cerebral Palsy, and requires 24/7 care. As if things weren’t already complicated, Judy is her full-time caregiver.
As you can see, this family needs your help. I am asking for donations to help the Rodier family fight this battle without having to worry about money along the way. Your donations will only be used if/when necessary, and any money that goes un-used will go towards lung cancer research! Additionally, a benefit for the family is being planned for the end of January.
A trip to Dana Farber to discuss further treatment is scheduled for October 27th, 2016. Feel free to follow Jess's blog for Judy’s journey at www.judysjourney.org for more information about this disease and her treatment plan as we find out more information! Details for the benefit will be posted on the site as soon as they are available!
Please share this link and help us reach our goal!
Jess’s mom, Judy, was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer (non-small cell adenocarcinoma) in August of 2015, even though she has never smoked a day in her life. Pathologists found a mutation in the ALK gene in her cancer cells, which aids in the creation of abnormal, and cancerous cells. Due to the presence of this mutated gene, she takes a pill twice a day to target the mutated gene instead of getting chemo treatments.
Judy has been responding extremely well to the “targeted pill therapy,” and the tumors in her lung and lymph nodes have not grown since. Unfortunately, the medication she is on does not protect the cancer from spreading to the brain, and small tumors were found to have spread to her brain in a scan at the end of September 2016.
That alone is heartbreaking, but let me give you a little back story. Judy has two daughters, Jess, who I have already mentioned, and her sister who will be turning 30 in November. Jess’s sister was born with Cerebral Palsy, and requires 24/7 care. As if things weren’t already complicated, Judy is her full-time caregiver.
As you can see, this family needs your help. I am asking for donations to help the Rodier family fight this battle without having to worry about money along the way. Your donations will only be used if/when necessary, and any money that goes un-used will go towards lung cancer research! Additionally, a benefit for the family is being planned for the end of January.
A trip to Dana Farber to discuss further treatment is scheduled for October 27th, 2016. Feel free to follow Jess's blog for Judy’s journey at www.judysjourney.org for more information about this disease and her treatment plan as we find out more information! Details for the benefit will be posted on the site as soon as they are available!
Please share this link and help us reach our goal!
Organizer and beneficiary
Jessica Rodier
Beneficiary