This story is about a student who has demonstrated more courage and fight than I thought was humanly possible. Jessica, at age 16, was first diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (cancer of the white blood cells) on <’xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />August 27th 2008. This diagnosis was a complete and utter shock. Jessica, prior to her diagnosis, was a young talented woman who was athletic and a social dynamo. She began to experience cold and flu symptoms. Three months later, after four bone marrow biopsies, she was told that she had cancer. <’xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

Jessica proceeded to obtain treatment for her cancer. She underwent 24 months straight of chemotherapy. While others in her ward seem to respond well to these treatments, she faced a litany of side-effects, including infections, blood clots and mouth and throat sores. I visited her on a number of occasions in the hospital. When I entered the room and saw the weight she lost, the colour of her complexion, and the pain she experienced, it brought me to tears. I thought, how could this beautiful, innocent child be subjected to this’  However no matter what side effect she faced and no matter what pain the treatments caused one thing was clear. Jessica was a fighter and she was not going to give up. And fight she did!

When I reflect back on the feeding tube, the sores in her mouth and throat, the sunk face, and the frailty of her entire body, it is hard to understand how she was able to keep up the fight. Only a fighter could survive this. Only a tiger with determination, drive, and courage, could come through this. That is exactly what Jessica did. Although she is currently in remission, her treatments continue and it is clear that she is winning this fight.

Jessica is a young girl to be celebrated. Although we know that her fight is not over and her treatment continues, she soldiers on. She still struggles to walk long distances, she tires easily and has to work extra hard to concentrate, however none of this stops her from attaining the things she sets her mind on. She is back to school and has managed to obtain an honour roll standing. She is back socializing with friends (the ones that have stayed with her on her journey). I have no doubt that one day soon Jessica will once again run the 5k Old Mill Race and I will be there cheering her on!

When you ask Jessica what has kept her going she answers, "If you stay positive and you don't give up and you really want to fight, you’ll conquer and get through it. There is no doubt you can do it". Jessica also thanks her family who has been incredibly supportive and loving. This has helped her stay positive. I know that everyone was encouraging Jessica throughout her battle and there is no doubt that this inspired her to continue to fight for life.

Jessica says her next mission is to raise money to assist others who are in the cancer ward where she continues to be treated. She wants to purchase DVD movies for all those receiving treatment. She also wants to contribute to research and technology.

Jessica's courage, drive and positive thinking are a true inspiration. You are amazing Jess and we love you!!!