The JAM Support Fund
Meet Jessica, Ava and Matty (JAM), a normal , happy , little family. In June 2015 they were hit with the devastating news that Jess had Acute Myeloid Leukemia, her survival requiring immediate treatment. At the time Jessica was 24 and their little girl Ava, only 2 years old. This came as a huge blow, but with amazing strength and determination, the love and support of her family and friends, with Matty her boyfriend steadfastly by her side, the amazing staff at Whiston Hospital Jess beat it and was in remission.
Sadly, in May of this year Jess started to develop similar symptoms and on June 28th had it confirmed that her leukemia had returned. This time it has meant 2 rounds of intense chemotherapy, up to 3 weeks at a time in hospital away from her little girl, now 4. As Matty, her now fiance, only works for a small company he is not entitled to pay should he not be in work, so he has been juggling work, hospital visits, taking care of the home and Ava, as well as being there for Jess. 
Despite her outward strength and bravery, this has obviously taken its toll on Jess emotionally and the one person she wants holding her hand through all this, Matty, hasn't always been able to be there. (She would say she's seen enough of me (Mum), Dad and Step Mum to last her the rest of her life!) As blesssed as we are as a family in love and support, we are not rich in pounds. If any of us could hand money over and say to Matty, don't you worry about paying all the bills, of course, we would. Sadly, none of us are in that position.
In order to beat the cancer this time Jess also has to have a bone marrow transplant. Sadly, her sister was not a match so this has been made possible by the kindness of a wonderful donor. The process itself involves a minimum 4 week stay in hospital and a lenghty 18 month recovery period, after which Jess will still only have the immune system of a 12 month old. As you can imagine this means she is guaranteed to get infections and be extremely weak along the way.
We are in the process of arranging various fund raising events to raise money to support the family, so that Matty could take time out of work to be there for Jess and Ava without the financial strain. This will be the most challenging thing this little, still very young, family will ever face. We are seeking donations to add to what we can raise, in order to enable Matty to be home for at least 6 weeks - 4 whilst Jess is in hospital, then at least 2 when she first comes home.
We are beyond thankful for all the support and help received so far. Especially to Jess' donor, who is giving her the most precious, priceless gift imaginable. If you can find it in your heart to donate, no matter how small an amount, we would be eternally grateful.
