For those of you who don't know Jess, and have yet to check out her blog (www.jessicaoldwyn.blogspot.com), here is a short summary of what she's been through. I hope this will inspire you to donate, but even if you cannot contribute financially, just keeping her in your thoughts and prayers would be appreciated (I believe there is great power in this gesture!).
I am lucky to have known Jess since primary school. She has always been so full of life; as kindhearted as they come and an inspiration to many. Only in her late twenties, Jess was diagnosed with a lemon-sized brain tumor in April 2010. The classification is an infiltrating astrocytoma (a type of glioma) tumor. Within several days of her diagnosis she underwent a partially awake craniotomy, with a second emergency brain surgery to follow.
Since her surgery, Jess has completely changed her lifestyle and diet in hopes of shrinking or slowing down the tumor growth. She undergoes regular MRIs, and her last MRI (late October) showed her tumor grew by 4.5mm in 6 months. The average rate of a growth for her type of tumor is 4mm in 12 months. Her brain tumor has gone from stage 2 to stage 3, and is now classified as "brain cancer". The latest news has devastated her family, her friends, and many others who follow her blog who have yet to meet Jess.
Through it all, Jess has maintained her vibrancy and positive spirit and has continued to inspire others.
As we all know, medical insurance in the States is not always comprehensive. Each surgery, MRI, CT scan, oncologist consultation costs a lot of money (not nearly all covered by her medical insurance). Jess is now looking into alternative therapies, which will also accumulate further costs.
The last thing Jess needs right now is to worry about her finances. Please help relieve this burden through your generosity. See paypal instructions in my last post, or send a check to her medical account at Islanders Bank. Further donation options will be posted soon. Thanks!!
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