Jessica's Cancer Support Fund
Donation protected
Hello everyone! We are raising money to cover Jessica’s medical expenses as she receives brain cancer treatment at the Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke University in Durham, NC.
What Happened?
In May 2018, Jessica noticed some numbness on the right side of her body, as well as blurred vision. She thought she had pinched a nerve, but the symptoms continued for several days. After a trip to her family doctor and the eye doctor, she went to Duke University’s ER on May 18.
She was given some motor skills tests to perform and a CT scan was ordered. The scan showed a mass on her brain stem. A subsequent MRI indicated a high-grade glioma, the most aggressive type of brain tumor. There was also a build-up of fluid around the tumor, causing hydrocephalus. On May 21, Jessica underwent a biopsy of her brain tumor. During the biopsy, the surgeons re-routed the fluid to reduce swelling and pressure. She began taking steroids to manage ongoing swelling.
On May 31, the MRI findings were confirmed. The tumor is a stage 4 high grade glioblastoma multiforme. It is inoperable, and Jess will begin 6-1/2 weeks of chemotherapy and radiation treatments in mid-June. She expects to finish in late July, and the tumor will be regularly monitored for any changes. She will continue chemotherapy on a monthly basis to keep the tumor in check.
No one knows why this kind of tumor develops, but Jessica has maintained a positive outlook and would like to get back to normal life as soon as possible.
How Can You Help?
Jessica’s position at a property management company was eliminated in February. After an extensive job search, she received an offer and began working on May 17 (the day before she went to Duke). She is fortunate to have access to COBRA in the meantime, but it is very expensive.
We believe the last thing that Jessica should have to worry about is money. She has been there to support so many of us in our time of need, and now she needs our help. Please share Jessica’s story and give as you are able.
Thank you for reading and supporting Jessica through her brain cancer battle.
What Happened?
In May 2018, Jessica noticed some numbness on the right side of her body, as well as blurred vision. She thought she had pinched a nerve, but the symptoms continued for several days. After a trip to her family doctor and the eye doctor, she went to Duke University’s ER on May 18.
She was given some motor skills tests to perform and a CT scan was ordered. The scan showed a mass on her brain stem. A subsequent MRI indicated a high-grade glioma, the most aggressive type of brain tumor. There was also a build-up of fluid around the tumor, causing hydrocephalus. On May 21, Jessica underwent a biopsy of her brain tumor. During the biopsy, the surgeons re-routed the fluid to reduce swelling and pressure. She began taking steroids to manage ongoing swelling.
On May 31, the MRI findings were confirmed. The tumor is a stage 4 high grade glioblastoma multiforme. It is inoperable, and Jess will begin 6-1/2 weeks of chemotherapy and radiation treatments in mid-June. She expects to finish in late July, and the tumor will be regularly monitored for any changes. She will continue chemotherapy on a monthly basis to keep the tumor in check.
No one knows why this kind of tumor develops, but Jessica has maintained a positive outlook and would like to get back to normal life as soon as possible.
How Can You Help?
Jessica’s position at a property management company was eliminated in February. After an extensive job search, she received an offer and began working on May 17 (the day before she went to Duke). She is fortunate to have access to COBRA in the meantime, but it is very expensive.
We believe the last thing that Jessica should have to worry about is money. She has been there to support so many of us in our time of need, and now she needs our help. Please share Jessica’s story and give as you are able.
Thank you for reading and supporting Jessica through her brain cancer battle.
Organizer and beneficiary
Heather Linko Jousma
Organizer
Mount Holly, NC
Jessica Linko
Beneficiary
