Jessica’s Medical Relief Fund

Jessica’s Recent Update:

As many of you know, October 2019 I had a total thyroidectomy (complete thyroid removal) due to thyroid cancer. The thyroid controls and regulates many aspects of your body functions.

Every three months since my thyroidectomy, I have blood work and tests performed to ensure everything is progressing in the right direction. For the first year I found myself seeing the brighter side of things as tests were coming back okay. I started really enjoying my cooking, getting involved at work, and time with family and friends.

Recently, I’ve been having neck tightness so at my March appointment my doctor ordered an ultrasound. He called me with the result that same day and said I have new nodules and enlarged lymph nodes that need immediate biopsy. Two days later I had the biopsy, which resulted in thyroid cancer’s vicious return except this time in new nodules. After weeks of insurance issues, seeing a specialist downtown, doing a lot of my own research and investigation I was ready to give up. Thankfully I didn’t. I found two surgeons at my hospital, Good Shepherd in Barrington, Illinois, who will be collaborating on an extensive and intricate surgery to hopefully remove all the cancerous nodules.

This past Sunday, I started a low iodine diet, which I will be on for 2 weeks leading up to my full body scan. This diet is delicious...just kidding May 3rd I start thyrogen injections and then May 5th I begin to take radiation pills. On May 6th I have a full body scan to see where the cancer is located and if it has metastasized anywhere else in the body.

After that rollercoaster, on May 11th I am scheduled for surgery. My surgeons stated I have a good prognosis and seem to help make me feel this journey is something I will overcome.

Starting in June, I will continue the injections, follow the low iodine diet, and receive stronger radiation medication this time around to hopefully kick it to the curb for good.

I would never in a million years imagine asking for support, as I have always been the one who always enjoys pouring my heart and soul into helping others, but I know the road ahead will be bumpy. I appreciate any prayers and positive thoughts during this time. This road will not be easy, but it will be my road to learn from, grow from, and bloom into an even more amazing me.

"Face it, Embrace it, Defy it, Conquer it” -Victoria Arlen

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Many of you who are blessed to know Jess, know she is one of the most caring humans you would ever have the opportunity to meet! She is a Chamberlain University graduate who served in many ways while attending nursing school and is now one of the best nurses a patient could ever ask for! She is passionate about learning and mentoring her peers and caring for almost everyone around her!

Sadly, as you read in her story above, Cancer is trying to defeat one of our worlds most amazing nurses!!! She is so strong and will pull through without a doubt! However, insurance is making this a financial nightmare. By June, Jessica will have acquired over $100k in medical bills that insurance won’t cover which doesn’t end there....she will have a long journey ahead of her of radiation, dieting, testing and healing.

If you are in a position to contribute, I promise you that your dollars are going to an amazing amazing nurse who will someday maybe get to take care of you and your loved ones. She is someone who would never think twice about lending a helping hand.

Thank you so much for your thoughts & prayers!