showing off my new cancer inspired tattoo in Nov. 2024

My name is Jessica (she/her), and I was diagnosed with rectal cancer at 29 years old. In February 2023, I had genetic testing done that showed a gene mutation called Lynch Syndrome (PMS2). The genetic counselor recommended that I get my first colonoscopy at 30. But in the summer of 2023, I began experiencing symptoms. I saw my primary doctor and she said she thought it was IBS, but that I could go see a gastro. I vividly remember ending the video call and saying "at least she doesn't think it's cancer" out loud. By the time I saw the gastro in November, my symptoms had worsened significantly, and I knew that something wasn't right. At the appointment, she also said she thought it could be IBS - even though I was having symptoms like constipation and blood in my stool, and knowing I had Lynch. I pushed back and requested that a baseline colonoscopy be done to make sure. 

prepped for a sigmoidoscopy in Oct. 2024

The gastro did my colonoscopy on January 5, 2024 and found a 6cm mass in my rectum. Her response when showing me the images was "at least we did this early!"

at my first immunotherapy infusion on 2/15/24

Because of the Lynch Syndrome, my mass had the mismatch repair-deficient biomarker. This changed everything I thought cancer would look like for me. Instead of chemo, radiation, and surgery, the guidelines recommended 6 months of immunotherapy.

at my last immunotherapy infusion on 8/1/24

My oncologist in California followed the clinical trial done at Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York City that had a 100% success rate using the drug Jemperli (dostarlamab). After just 3 months of infusions, my mass was gone. 

meeting Dr. Cercek - the doctor responsible for the clinical trial at MSK. 

watch our video here!

We finished out the remaining infusions and I was declared NED in September 2024.

ringing the bell at a party with my biggest supporters in Dec. 2024

Immunotherapy challenged everything I ever thought cancer could be. While I may live with the lingering fear of my body not protecting me because of the Lynch Syndrome, I also live with the goal to flip other people’s ideas of how cancer should look.

celebrating my 30th birthday on 10/8/2024

Cancer has taught me many things, but there's one thing that has become so important that I have made it my personal mission... empowering young adults to advocate for themselves in the medical space. I’ve heard too many stories across the AYA community about being dismissed and pushed away. We can avoid young adults from becoming stage 4 patients by simply listening. 

sharing my story at the colorectal cancer walk in San Diego in Aug. 2024

Being diagnosed with what some still consider an “old person’s disease” has proven that the screening and prevention conversations aren’t inclusive of us. I’m still here, and have the chance to change that.

toasting to beating cancer with my wife - my caretaker

For all the things cancer has taken from me, there are a few things I didn't realize I would gain. The community and love that I've found in organizations like Cactus Cancer Society are things that have carried me through the days where everything seems so uncertain. Surrounding myself with people who just get it has brought me so much comfort in an experience that can be incredibly isolating.

first post-treatment brunch in Sept. 2024

Despite what some may believe, survivorship has actually been the most challenging part of my cancer journey so far. Having access to resources and support to help me navigate survivorship is more valuable than I could ever explain. I hope you'll consider donating to Cactus Cancer Society to help ensure that more programs are available to people like me!

making it to angel city's last home game of the season in Oct. 2024

Being nominated for this award is one of the greatest honors. Winning would validate the work that I'm doing to make a difference and help me work toward my mission to empower others to use their voice and lean into their intuition through advocacy, inclusivity, community, and empathy. Whether you donate, share, or support - you're helping me reach my goal. I couldn't do this without the incredible community around me, so thank you.

All my love & gratitude,

Jessica (JayRay)