Local mum Jessica Cook was 25 weeks pregnant when she was diagnosed with Epithelioid Sarcoma. It’s a rare type of cancer that starts as a growth of cells in the soft tissue.
The Epithelioid Sarcoma caused a lump in her calf, which grew 27cm up to her knee bone. It began eroding her calf bone and spread to regional lymph nodes. The only option to save Jess’ life and prevent the spread of the cancerous cells was to amputate her left leg and affected lymph nodes.
Shortly after the amputation, Jess gave birth to her second child prematurely, which meant her baby went straight to the NICU.
She now must undergo four rounds of chemotherapy, have a prosthetic leg fitted and rehabilitation.
Jess has a three-year-old daughter called Ava and husband Nick supporting her through this journey.
Multiple community members have reached out to Manly Observer to ask us to spread the word of the GoFundMe Jess’ sister, Kristy McPherson, is organising on her and her family’s behalf.
“Jess’ strength and positivity inspires us all, but even the strongest need support during hard times,” Kristy wrote.
She estimates the family will need to bear the burden of the following costs:
- $85,000 for a full-time caregiver for the newborn and to assist with the care of Ava;
- $30,000 for an overnight nanny to support Jess during her chemotherapy treatment;
- $145,000 to modify the family home with a lift (we’ve been informed they have 18 stairs), bathroom accessibility and safety updates;
- $15,000 toward an electric wheelchair;
- And additional unknown costs on a prosthetic leg, training and rehabilitation, mobility equipment and potential future treatments and surgeries.
The total of these costs is $275,000 (without the unknown costs).
Kristy has a fundraising goal of $150,000 which, at the time of publication, she is just short of.
If you feel you can contribute to supporting Jess, please go here, and please share this article with your family and friends.
Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.
