Financial Help for Jennifer Beaman

Hi, My name is Janice Catoggio. My friend Jen is 49 years old and has stage 3b Rectal Cancer. In her words this is her story:

Around April 2020 I began presenting symptoms and because I was uninsured, I made an appointment at the free clinic. They couldn't see me until October of that year and saw me only 4 times over the next 9 months. During that time the doctor I was seeing dismissed my symptoms as nothing major finally suggesting at our final appointment that I was most likely lactose intolerant, but finally referred me to a gastroenterologist, Dr Soroka, in July of 2021. He saved my life and shattered my world by stating the horrible, scary diagnosis of CANCER after performing a colonoscopy. At this point I had been bleeding for a year, I was severely anemic. I had one more endoscopic test then I was formally diagnosed with Stage 3b moderately differentiated rectal adenocarcinoma. Because of the late stage, and the 6.1 cm tumor, I had to forgo the traditional treatment plan and immediately have surgery in August of 2021 to remove the tumor which could only be accomplished be removing my rectum and diverting my colon to a permanent ostomy. After surgery I was supposed to start a 6-week radiation/chemotherapy regiment immediately followed by 6 months of chemotherapy, however, due to an insurance nightmare I am currently 5 1/5 months post op and I have not received those treatments yet.

Up until July 2020 I had been doing landscaping, but I wound up being laid off due to the pandemic. I started doing small side jobs when I felt ok to do so but in April 2021, I couldn't do anything anymore. I could barely get out of bed.

I applied for Social Security Disability in September 2021. Some of the doctors have not responded or stated they had no records so that is taking some time. I'm asking for help from the community just to get my bills caught up and have some money for gas to be able to transport myself to and from chemotherapy once I am approved to move forward.

I understand times are hard and if you aren't able to donate, please, I would appreciate it if you would share my GoFundPage with others.

I would like to thank each and every one of you taking the time to read my story and for your support while I try to beat my cancer. Also, I urge everyone 45 and older to request a colonoscopy. It is recommended at age 50 but had I not had symptoms or had the first doctor not referred me when she finally had I would have had no chance at seeing 50.

Jen