Jessica Gilbert’s life changed in an instant. What she thought was a simple sinus infection turned out to be stage 3 ovarian cancer.
“I woke up with a fever and a stuffy head. I thought it was nothing serious,” Jessica said. But her doctor urged her to go to the emergency room instead of boarding a plane to Disney World with her children.
There, doctors shared the news no mother expects. “The whole world just stood still,” Jessica recalled. “I was totally shocked. No family history. No warning signs.”
Ovarian cancer often goes unnoticed. Symptoms may include bloating, abdominal pain, eating changes, or frequent urination. In the U.S., more than 243,000 women are living with the disease.
Jessica is now undergoing chemotherapy, surgery, and targeted therapy. Her family has launched a fundraiser to support her treatment.
Her story is a reminder to listen to your body. A small symptom could mean something bigger. Share this with loved ones—you might help save a life.
