Help the Pullen Schimke Family Through Jessica’s Brain Tumor

Jessica Pullen has been a public school teacher, mentor, and inspiration for 25 years, the last 11 at Anacortes High School, where she is known for her passion, humor, and dedication to students. This summer, she was diagnosed with a grade two brain tumor and is now facing surgery recovery and six weeks of daily radiation therapy in Seattle. Her husband, Kellen, a familiar face at A’Town Bistro, and their son, Ulysses, a new freshman at AHS, are walking this difficult path by her side. Now, the Pullen-Schimke family needs our support to ease the financial and emotional burden of treatment.

This summer, our friend, colleague, and teacher, Jessica Pullen, received news no family is prepared to hear. She was diagnosed with a grade two ependymoma brain tumor. Since then, Jess has endured two craniotomies and spent three weeks in the ICU. The fight is ongoing, as the next step is six weeks of daily radiation treatment at the University of Washington Hospital in Seattle. To focus fully on recovery, Ms. Pullen will be taking a two-month leave of absence from her classroom, the only time in her career.

Jessica has been a public school teacher for 25 years. 11 of those at Anacortes High School, where she has taught history, geography, and civics with passion and heart, knowing that she can move the needle. She is the kind of teacher who believes in her students even when they may not themselves. She comes in early and stays late to invest in individuals and pushes young people to think critically about the world. Generations of students remember her as the one who encouraged them to dream bigger! Before Anacortes, she gave this same energy and talent to the students in the Chandler Unified School District at Perry High School and in Tempe at the Payne Academy.

This fall brings a bittersweet twist as her son, Ulysses, is starting as a freshman at Anacortes High School. He is currently excited about Metals Tech and Band. He is registered in Jessica’s class and has agreed to finish all the reading assignments. Together, Uly and Jess are now navigating these exciting high school milestones alongside the realities of cancer treatment.

Her husband, Kellen Schimke, is a beloved and steady presence at A’Town Bistro, where his warmth, dependability, and wit have made him a local treasure. Over the past months, he has taken significant time away from work to stay by Jess’s side through surgeries, help her recover, and drive her to countless appointments. He will continue making the daily round-trip drive to Seattle for the radiation, sometimes requiring overnight stays when scheduling makes returning home impossible.

Why we are asking for help-

Even with insurance, the out-of-pocket costs of brain tumor care are overwhelming. The Pullen-Schimke family is facing the fact that hospital and recovery expenses are not fully covered by insurance. This disappointing reality paired with the daily transportation costs for six weeks of radiation in Seattle as well as the lost income from Jessica’s leave and Kellen’s reduced hours means that every dollar raised will go directly toward easing these burdens.

Jessica has given her career to lifting up her students and serving her community. Now, it is our turn to lift her. We invite you to donate if you are able, but also share this page, and if you know Jess (Ms. Pullen), leave a story or memory in the comments. Whether she’s been your child’s teacher, your colleague, or your friend, your words and support will mean the world to the family.

Together we can help Jessica, Kellen, and Uly face this fight with strength, hope, and the knowledge that friends and family from near and far are behind them every step of the way.