Please Consider Helping Jessica

Today I’d like to share with you about a family friend who needs our help. Her name is Jessica Elam (pictured on the left with my daughter). Jessica was diagnosed with Ependymoma (a form of childhood cancer) in 2001. Jessica is 16 years old and has been battling cancer of the brain and spine since she was 6 years old. She is currently in her 6th relapse, yet she still fights hard and is a voice of hope for kids with cancer. Jessica is truly is an inspiration to all who know her. She is strong in her faith in God and continues to seek out ways to encourage others even when times are tough for her. Two days ago she began a new round of chemotherapy. Jessica will receive chemo for the next 40 days. She is experiencing pain in her spine. We are praying for strength, endurance, pain relief and a cure for Jessica. I would be thankful if you would join our family in prayer for her.

I came to know Jessica through our church, when she selflessly took time out of her summer to babysit my daughter while I volunteered at our church VBS. She and my daughter Abby (then 11mos. Old) had an instant connection. Toward the end of the week, Jessica's doctor told her that she should stay home and rest, but Jessica told them that Abby needed her at VBS. She was trying to teach her to walk. The doctor agreed to let her come because he knew it would be good for her spirit. Ever since that week, Jessica has been an important part of our family. She has helped Abby through every transition at church and visits her every Sunday in her Sunday school class. Abby just loves her and so do we!

On May 7th, our family will be participating in The 5th Annual Butterfly Walk for CancerFree KIDS. We will be walking on the team, Jessica’s Jackpots, to support Jessica in her battle against this disease. I am hopeful that our team will raise over the $6,147 that we raised last year to help fund pediatric cancer research. All of the money raised for the walk goes directly to cancer research in our home town at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, the #3 hospital in the country for childhood cancer research.

Has Freezer Friendz been a blessing to you and your family? We have been so excited over the last three years about being able to provide you with lots of freezer tips and recipes at no cost to you. If you have been blessed by Freezer Friendz, would you consider paying it forward by being a blessing to Jessica by supporting her team for the 2011 Cancer Free Kids Butterfly Walk?

If you would like support us in the Butterfly Walk you can do so in 4 ways:

• Pray for the success of the walk.

• Join us in person! Register to walk with us on the team Jessica’s Jackpots in the 5th Annual Butterfly Walk and Fun Festival for CancerFree KIDS. Bring your whole family. What a great way to celebrate Mother’s Day weekend!

• Join us in spirit! Want to be a part of our team but can’t join us in person? Register as a virtual walker for our team – Jessica’s Jackpots.

• Support our team! Consider making a personal donation online at: http://www.active.com/donate/2011butterflywalk/AElam5 (note that you are a Freezer Friendz reader (ex. Your name/Freezer Friendz) All donations are tax deductible. Just print off your email confirmation for your donation for your tax records.

or

by mail: you can make a check payable to CancerFree KIDS and mail it to: CancerFree KIDS, Attn. Butterfly Walk, P.O. Box 575, Loveland, OH 45140. Please indicate on the memo line our team name Jessica’s Jackpots.

We hope you will share Jessica’s story with others and help raise awareness for CancerFree KIDS. Together we can change lives!

For more information on our walk visit http://www.butterflywalk.com/

For more information on CancerFree KIDS visit http://www.cancerfreekids.org/

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this note. We appreciate anything you can do to help raise awareness and support for CancerFree KIDS.

Your Freezer Friend,

Jackie