Battle against Metastatic Brain & liver Cancer

Dear Friends, Family, and Kind Souls,

My Name is Jessica Villescas (38), I am a very talented cake decorator with 3 children and a loving husband that lives in Tucson, Arizona and have strong hopes and desires to find my way back into my passion of baking. April 2021 marked the beginning of an unexpected and arduous journey for me. A journey that has not only tested my physical strength but my emotional resilience. I was diagnosed metastatic brain cancer, a disease that brings with it uncertainty, pain, and endless challenges that has also spread to my pancreas and liver. My first brain surgery was September 22 of 2022 followed by my second one December 23, 2022. I found out that the cancer had spread to my surrounding organs on 4/25/23 when I wasn't feeling well and went into the ER where they took my blood work and CT scans. Currently I have a tumor on my brain, liver and pancreas as well as surrounding stomach tissues. I had a huge tumor removed from my liver this last April in Tijuana and did pro beam therapy. Time frame for my life of expectancy without the treatments, doctors gave me till December-February time frame of 2023-2024.

To understand the gravity of the situation, my illness didn't stop at the brain. The cancer cells, aggressive in nature, found their way to my liver and pancreas, amplifying the complexity of the condition. Because of the head radiation treatment, I have had it has become very difficult to eat anything other than soft food. With the radiation messing up my teeth I have to eat lots of soft foods such as mashed potatoes, oatmeal and bananas. Breads are almost impossible to eat. I have lost 40 pounds in the last 6 weeks due to being malnourished. I recently in the last month had a stent placed in my throat due to food continuously getting stuck. I am having to take 3 potassium shots a day because of hypokalemia with no end date in sight. I am not able to drive because of ongoing seizures having to rely on my husband to take me to medical appointments which causes more strain on us financially.

It's hard to put into words the rollercoaster of emotions I've been on since the diagnosis in April of 2021. From the numbing shock of the initial news to the daily challenge of staying optimistic in the face of adversity, the journey has been anything but easy. But through it all, two things have kept me going: the love and support of my close ones to include my children, Hailey aged 17, sonny aged 19 and Vinny aged 21, and the burning desire to fight and conquer this disease.

Unfortunately, the escalating costs of medical treatments have become an overwhelming burden. With the advancements in medical technology, there are potential treatments available that offer a glimmer of hope. However, these treatments come with a hefty price tag, which has strained my savings and financial capabilities. We need to continue pro beam radiation treatments in Tijuana due to the treatments being more affordable to hopefully give it a chance to shrink all the tumors. All expenses and money raised will be going to my flights, hotel, rentals plus treatments. If I was given the opportunity financially to do treatments closer to my loved ones and children, I would.

Today, I humbly reach out to you, not just as someone battling a severe medical condition but as a person with dreams, aspirations, and so much life yet to live. Any amount, big or small, will help alleviate the financial strain and allow me to access the vital treatments and medications required. Your generosity will not only provide tangible assistance but also boost my spirit, knowing that there's an entire community backing me up.

For those who can't contribute financially, your prayers, good vibes, and positive messages mean the world to me. Spreading the word, sharing this campaign, and simply being there are equally valuable. Together, with your love, kindness, and generosity, I believe that I can overcome this. Thank you for standing by my side during one of the most challenging times of my life.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Jessica Villescas