My name is Jessie Maynez, and I am a mother to two beautiful children—Ryder (3) and Kinsley (10).

Our family is built on love, faith, and the simple joys we share together, like motocross and fishing. Above everything else, our priority has always been taking care of one another.

Just one month ago, my life changed in an instant.

While I was at work as a preschool teacher, playing on the playground with my class, I received a phone call from my doctor. I was told that what we believed to be a harmless ulcer was, in fact, gastric signet ring cell adenocarcinoma—stomach cancer.

In that moment, everything stopped.

I left work immediately, overwhelmed with fear and heartbreak. The reality of what I was hearing was unbearable. All I could think about were my children—their faces, their voices, their need for me. I cried out to God, praying for healing, for strength, for more time. The emotional weight of that first week is something I cannot fully put into words.

Since then, I’ve begun to process what lies ahead.

This type of cancer is known to be aggressive and difficult to treat. I have undergone numerous appointments, traveling across counties for testing and consultations. Despite extensive scans, staging has been challenging because this cancer can be hard to detect as it spreads.

As of now, I am scheduled to undergo a total gastrectomy (complete removal of my stomach) and lymph nodes on May 5th, followed by chemotherapy. I have already had a chemo port placed in preparation.

This is a major, life-altering surgery, and there is still uncertainty about whether the cancer has spread beyond my stomach.

I am doing everything I can to stay strong, but the fear is real. I am not ready to leave this world. My children need me. The thought of them growing up without their mother is something that weighs heavily on my heart every single day.

Alongside the physical and emotional toll, this diagnosis has also created a significant financial burden.

I have been unable to work for the past month due to constant medical appointments, and I will be out of work for the foreseeable future because of my surgery and recovery. Although I have insurance, many visits and treatments are being denied, leaving us with overwhelming out-of-pocket expenses.

My husband is an incredibly hardworking man who has dedicated years as an HVAC technician. He has been doing everything he can to support our family, while also taking time off work to help care for me, our children, and attend appointments. Unfortunately, his income alone is not enough to cover our household expenses—especially now with mounting medical bills.

We have always lived paycheck to paycheck and do not have savings to fall back on during this crisis.

It is extremely difficult for me to ask for help, but at this point, I truly need it.

We are asking for support to help cover:

Medical bills and ongoing treatment costs

Surgery and hospital expenses

Daily living expenses (mortgage/rent, utilities, groceries)

Travel costs for medical appointments

Any donation, no matter how small, will make a meaningful difference for our family during this incredibly challenging time.

If you are unable to give financially, I humbly ask for your prayers. I believe in the power of prayer and in God’s ability to perform miracles.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story, for your support, and for keeping my family in your thoughts and prayers.

God bless you all.