Family Profile

Family Profile

Jesse's Story:
A Teenager's Struggle with Cancer

When Jesse was finishing his sophomore year at college – his life changed dramatically - he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, better known as bone cancer. His illness forced him to take a leave from school, where he was a biology major with hopes of becoming a physical therapist.

Since his diagnosis in May 2008, Jesse underwent multiple surgeries and chemotherapy as part of his treatment protocol. At the time of his diagnosis, Jesse lived at home in Manhattan with his mother and his teenage brother. His mom was working as a secretary at a nearby hospital where Jesse worked part-time while going to school.

Both had to stop working as a result of Jesse’s illness. The family’s Friends of Karen social worker, Doug, helped Jesse’s family by guiding them in obtaining all the public resources available to them.

Friends of Karen assisted with payment of medical bills, travel costs back and forth to the hospital for treatment, and hospital meals. The loss of income of Jesse’s single mom put additional financial strain on the family and Friends of Karen helped out with household expenses as well.

Back to School Jesse finished his chemotherapy treatment and has returned to college. His brother just started college, too. His mother returned to work. Life is getting back to normal – that’s our goal. Friends of Karen stays in touch with Jesse and his mom and continues to monitor his progress. Good Luck Jesse!

How You Can Help Unfortunately Jesse’s story is not unique. There are many other critically ill children and their families that urgently need support from Friends of Karen. With your donation we can provide financial assistance for basic living expenses as well as guidance for families coping with their child’s cancer.

Read more Friends of Karen Family Profiles in our Archived Newsletters