In 2020, our friend, Tess, was diagnosed with an extremely rare form of cancer in her left arm called Exterior-Axial Chordoma. Only three cases of this disease have been seen by doctors in the past 15 years. Since then, Tess has been bravely battling cancer while also accomplishing so much in her academic and professional career. She graduated from Xavier University in 2021, and continued on to Boston University's highly competitive Child Life program. Through treatment, surgeries, and countless setbacks she graduated with her masters in Child Life in the spring of 2024. She went on to work at Tufts Medical Center as a Child Life Specialist, supporting families through their own medical journeys. She has also used her social media accounts on Instagram (@lifeoftess15) and TikTok (@tess1531 ) to raise awareness and educate others about the realities of life with cancer. Tess is beloved by all who meet her and know her. Family, friends, staff, and patients, are all touched by her kind nature and gentle spirit.

After many rounds and types of treatment, her cancer has spread to many parts of her body. Most recently, Tess and her family received the heartbreaking news that she is out of treatment options. Her dream has been to support children and families navigating unimaginable healthcare experiences and now all we want to do is the same for her.

We want to help raise money for her remaining medical costs and to hopefully do a few special things left on her bucket list. Currently Tess is admitted inpatient for chronic pain management, but she is hopeful that she will get to leave soon to continue spending time with friends and loved ones. When asked what she hopes the money would go towards Tess said: a celebration of love and life and helping her family pay for a funeral when the time comes. We appreciate any and all help to alleviate some of the stress off of Tess and her family, and to give her the freedom to live the rest of her life to the fullest.