Support the Bessettes in their Cancer Battle

We are asking for donations from anyone who would like to help this courageous family as they battle cancer together. They have 3 small children and are a thousand miles from home. We are hoping to raise enough to help offset some of the many expenses they have incurred during this very difficult journey.

Jim and Rachel Bessette live in Kenosha WI, with their three children Zane 7, Jacoby 5, and Xenia 3. Jim has been battling brain cancer since 2006. Up until recently, Jim has been able to live a relatively normal life as his cancer was a grade 2 oligodendroglioma. The tumor in his brain was slow growing and typically responded well to treatment. Up until 2019, Jim was able to stay home and care for their children while Rachel worked. In 2019, Jim suffered a stroke. The stroke and the location of the tumor have greatly affected Jim’s motor function. Due to the complications of the stroke and the increasing need for more specialized care, Jim now receives his care from MD Anderson in Houston TX. Since beginning his battle with cancer, Jim’s tumor has become more aggressive, and is now a grade 4 IDH Mutated Astrocytoma. This is one of the most aggressive types of brain cancer.

             On May 1st, Jim had his 5th brain surgery at MD Anderson. Due to the location of the tumor, Jim needed to be awakened during the surgery to test his motor and speech functions as they attempted to remove as much of the tumor as possible. Although the 12 hour surgery was long and complicated, Jim came through with flying colors. He was up on his feet less than 24 hours after the surgery, fighting through the pain and nausea.

             Recently the family returned to Houston TX to stay for a month while Jim receives radiation to try to shrink the tumor. Unfortunately, when Jim was at MD Anderson and preparing for the radiation, they found that the tumor had rapidly increased in size, much more than expected, in the short time since his surgery. The family will remain in Houston over the next 4 weeks while Jim receives radiation. He will also be receiving chemotherapy after he recovers some of his strength after his radiation. Also, during that time, they will need to travel to Iron Mountain, Michigan, Rachel’s hometown, to attend Rachel’s Mother’s Celebration of Life.

             As anyone can imagine, this has been extremely stressful for their family. Not only emotionally but financially as well. Rachel is still teleworking full-time while caring for their children (ages 3, 5, and 7) and taking Jim to and from treatment. The family is staying in a VBRO in Texas during Jim’s treatment. The medical cost, travel, childcare, and general expenses have become overwhelming for this family. Any contribution is greatly appreciated!