Jessie’s story
“In February 2014, at the age of just 29, my family and I were shocked to find out I had advanced bowel cancer and the cancer had spread to my liver, lungs, lymph nodes, and was wrapped around my aorta.
I have had surgery to remove my bowel cancer and I am taking part in a clinical trial at the Olivia Newton John Cancer and Wellness Centre in Melbourne. Even with treatment, the doctors have told me that I have up to five years to live.”
Jessie is a loving wife and mother of two young boys. Jessie’s family have been devastated by the news, but they are taking one day at a time and enjoying every minute they have with their precious Jessie. They have a strong network of extended family and friends who are helping them through this difficult time and are very grateful for their support.
Jessie shares her story to help bring bowel cancer out in the open.
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Sadly Jessie passed away six months after her diagnosis.
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Jessie’s mother Lynne shared this emotional reflection with us as in September 2021 as she prepared to participate in The JLF 300k Step Challenge.
Her sister, Kimi and I cared for her at home the whole time where she gained her wings.
I am crying as I write this because 7 years later my heart is just as broken and I relive the moment she passed and seeing her beautiful eyes for the last time.
We were in Kinglake in Victoria throughout Jessie’s illness, although we are South Australian, and Jessie wanted to come home after. We have a beautiful memorial tree in Kuitpo Forest where I go every week and sit with her. We used to ride our horses past this tree.
The morning she passed was her eldest sons 5th Birthday and while we were sitting with her she made it known to me that she wanted her boys in her arms. Harvey, 5 in one arm and Albert, 3 in her other. A mother’s love.
Jessie strength was incredible. I know I wouldn’t have been as strong as her.
I miss her every second of every day. As do her beautiful boys, her sister Kimi, niece Summer and brother Cody.
Everyone who knew her said she was a ray of sunshine in their lives.
Walking 300,000 steps is nothing. We would walk the universe forever just for one more day with her.”
Lynne – Jessie’s mother