Jeanine Pernosky

❤️ A Little Update and Heartfelt Request I've returned from Oasis of Hope in Tijuana, Mexico and what a wonderful experience that was. I completed 16 days of treatment, enjoyed meeting so many wonderful people going through similar journeys, and found out that the people of Tijuana have a much warmer appeal than what they are often given credit for. My Spanish leaves much to be desired, but people were always gracious in teaching me how to say anything from Good Evening to how to roll my r’s when pronouncing the word for tray. Concerning my health, things are looking promising! The treatment has prepared my body’s immune system to go to the next step. I will have surgery to remove the tumors on October 23rd, and I'm hopeful as I move into this next chapter. I'm so grateful for every prayer, kind message, and word of encouragement. Knowing that people are thinking of me truly means a lot. At the same time, I want to be honest about something that's difficult for me to ask. The treatment in Mexico was entirely out of pocket, and I've been out of work longer than expected. The financial strain is real, and I still have expenses ahead, with the possibility of needing additional treatment in January. If you've been following my journey and wondering how you can help, a donation or sharing my fundraiser with someone who might be able to contribute would make a very real difference right now. No amount is too small, and every bit of practical help eases the burden while I focus on my health and recovery. Thank you for the love, prayers, and support you've already given me. I'm grateful to have you in my corner as I take this one step at a time. ❤️

My friend, Stacey, was kind enough to start a gofundme on my behalf. While she gave an overview of what is going on in my life, I felt compelled to share a little bit more. I’m Choosing a Different Path I never imagined I would find myself writing this or asking others for help. However, after receiving my diagnosis, I was presented with a treatment plan that includes chemotherapy along with other conventional treatments. I have spent a great deal of time researching, asking questions and trying to understand what that treatment could mean for my body and my quality of life. Suddenly, decisions I never expected to have to make became incredibly important — decisions about my health, my future and how I want to care for my body. But after learning more about the potential treatment and its effects, I realized I wasn't ready to simply move forward without exploring other options. The more I learned, the more questions I had. I began researching. I sought information. I looked at different approaches to cancer care. I tried to understand not only how a treatment might affect the cancer, but how it might affect me. My health. My strength. My quality of life. My ability to continue living my life as independently as possible. I know there are no guarantees in cancer treatment. I know there is no magic answer and no single approach that is right for everyone. But I also believe that when you are facing something as important as this, you should have the opportunity to ask questions and explore your options before making a decision that could affect the rest of your life. That search led me to Oasis of Hope Cancer Center in Tijuana, Mexico. Oasis of Hope has been providing cancer care since 1963 and describes its approach as integrative — combining conventional medical care with immunotherapy, metabolic and nutritional therapies and other supportive treatments. Their philosophy is to look at the whole person rather than cancer in isolation. I wanted to be an active participant in my care. I wanted to make this decision with as much information as possible. And, honestly, I wanted to give myself the chance to pursue the path that I believe is right for me. That's why I'm asking for your help. Pursuing treatment in another country comes with substantial costs — medical care, travel, lodging, transportation and time away from work. These are expenses I simply cannot manage comfortably on my own. My fundraising goal will help make it possible for me to travel to Oasis of Hope, receive the medical evaluation and treatment recommended for me, and have the support and resources I need while I'm there. I know that asking for financial help is difficult. But cancer has taught me something I never expected: Sometimes being strong doesn't mean doing everything by yourself. Sometimes it means having the courage to ask for help. If you choose to donate, you're not being asked to make the medical decision for me or even to agree with my choice. You're helping me have the opportunity to make that choice. You're helping me explore another path. And most importantly, you're helping me move forward with hope. If you can contribute, no matter the amount, I will be deeply grateful. And if donating isn't possible, I'd appreciate you sharing my story with someone who may be able to help. Thank you for taking the time to read my story, for caring enough to be here, and for helping me believe that I don't have to walk this road alone.