Jasmine is a 4 year old girl, who was diagnosed with this extremly rare cancer a little over a month ago. She has been in the hospital for almost 40 days straight. Due to the rapid growth she already underwent surgery on 8-15. They removed the tumor, which had already grown to the point where she could not close her mouth fully. Along with the resection they also had to pull all of her baby teeth on the top left side along with all the top adult teeth. Her left sinus was destroyed by the tumor. She had facial reconstructive surgery which included removal of tissue from her right thigh and placed in her cheek. There was also work done to her jaw , palate and the floor of the left orbit (eye). The surgery took 13 hours. Also in the surgery they inserted a g-tube ( feeding tune )and a trach (breathing tube). Another surgery will take place in 2 years to replace her upper jaw bone which was destroyed. As you can imagine this has been extremely hard on her parents. Her mother has had to take FMLA from her job as a surgical assistant and her father had to quit his job b/c he was only with the company for 2 months and he did not qualify for FMLA. This has been financially devestating on the family and will continue to be for at least another year while undergoing chemo and then again in the future when Jasmine will need dental work. For now Jasmine will need to undergo chemo 3 days a week at Rainbow Babies in Cleveland. During this time her parents are both going to want to be there by her side. They have a 8 year son also who they have decided to cyber school this upcoming year to make life a little easier on them.

Update : October 21, 2011
Jasmine is now back at home but is spending roughly 3 weeks out of each month in the hospital undergoing chemo. Her body has not been handling it well. She has been getting fevers and infections on a weekly basis not to mention the nausea and loss of appetite due to the radiation. Her spirits are always high and she is a true fighter. She gives inspiration to everyone around her. She just celebrated her 5th birthday on the 7th.

Update- November 5th,2011

Jasmine had her 1st set of scans this week and they all came out clear ( no new cancer cells ). The chemo treatment is working and we could not be happier. There is still a longgggggggg road to go but this a great start.

For those who would rather wish to send a check please make it out to Dixie Williams or Jasmine Williams and mail it to :

Alicia Welch
Attn : Jasmine
316 Petersburg Rd
Lititz, Pa 17543

Please note that checks being made out to Give Forward and Jasmines Journey are being returned. Sorry for any confusion.