Jessica’s Story

Site created on February 12, 2023

Welcome to our Cheers For Jess Caring Bridge website! We will use the site to keep everyone updated on Jessica's health as she once again kicks cancer's butt. Your love, prayers, and words of hope and encouragement mean the world to Jessica as she continues on this journey. Our girl is an incredible fighter, and together we will all help her and her family get through this. We are so grateful for everyone's support!

Jessica’s Cancer Journey:
For anyone who is new to Jessica’s journey with cancer, Jessica was diagnosed with Stage III colorectal cancer in June 2013. At that time, we started up “Cheers 4 Jess,” a support effort lovingly named in honor of the countless ways Jessica provides unconditional love, care, and support to anyone at any time and for any reason. From her days as a spirited cheerleader in high school, to becoming a wildly talented hair and makeup artist, it has always been evident that Jessica has one passion: helping others and making them happy. Whether you’ve known Jess for two minutes or 20 years, we bet you can name at least one time that her cheerful and loving attitude has made you smile. So, Cheers For Jess was launched to cheer on the woman who always drops everything to bring cheer to others.

After chemo and radiation treatments, an incredible fight from Jessica, and an amazing amount of support from family and friends, Jessica successfully beat her cancer down in April 2014 and has been in remission ever since!

However, in March 2021, Jessica reencountered cancer. She found out she was in the early stages of cervical cancer and underwent a radical hysterectomy in an effort to eradicate any opportunity for cancer to come back. This was a life-altering course of action but, as always, Jessica faced it with the positivity and resiliency that never ceases to amaze us. She fully recovered and we celebrated her health and happiness at her beautiful wedding to her husband, Dan, in October 2021.

In December 2022, Jessica began to experience some bladder issues and nausea, leading to a trip to the ER in January 2023. A CT scan, MRI and PET scan resulted in news that nobody was expecting: a cancerous mass in her abdomen that had attached itself to her pelvic region and has also spread to a few of her lymph nodes. Jessica was officially diagnosed with a recurrence of advanced cervical cancer on February 3, 2023.

But here's one thing we've always known: Jessica is amazing. She has the greatest ability to find the silver lining during the most challenging times. And this new challenge is no different - she is facing it head-on, but she can't do it alone. We've helped Jessica get through this once, and we will do it again! Let's Cheers For Jess!

Newest Update

Journal entry by Meg Strange

Beers For Jess was AMAZING! 

We are absolutely thrilled to share with you the incredible final fundraising results of the Beers For Jess event.  Drumroll please....

Together, we raised a total of $10,537 for Jessica!!!!

This incredible sum came from the following: 

  • $931 from the Llywelyn's Pub proceeds (room sales totaled almost $5k - the Kempers believe this may be a record amount!)
  • $3,673 through Venmo
  • $850 in checks
  • $2,912 in cash
  • $870 donated to GoFundMe in the past month
  • $760 donated by Dan's coworkers
  • $541 in Bonfire shirt sales

We are, in a word, speechless. These numbers are not just figures; they represent the love, support, and hope that you all have poured into Jessica's journey. Your contributions have made a tangible difference in Jessica's fight, providing not only financial support but also a powerful reminder of the strength and love that surrounds her. Cancer is a formidable disease, but it's got NOTHING on you guys! 

This event was made of pure love. We want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who attended the event, donated to the event, and volunteered their time and resources to make Beers For Jess such a success. Huge thanks to the Kemper family for once again donating the space and proceeds, and to all the individuals and businesses who contributed auction and raffle items. And extra special thanks to the McHugh girls - Maggie, Katy, and Maureen - for spearheading this event in support of their sister.

It was incredible to be in a room packed to the brim with so many family and friends who love Jess and Dan so much. It was truly heartwarming to see Jessica so happy. 

Jessica's supporters continue to astound us with their boundless kindness and generosity. We are forever grateful for your unwavering support.

Thank you, thank you, thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.

Keep Cheering!
The Cheers 4 Jess Team 💙🦋 
Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help Jessica Stay Connected to Family and Friends

A $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Jessica's for two weeks. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?

Comments Hide comments

Show Your Support

See the Ways to Help page to get even more involved.

SVG_Icons_Back_To_Top
Top