Help Jillian Fight Cancer

Goal:

 USD $20,000

Raised:

 USD $16,735

Campaign created by Renata Watts

Campaign funds will be received by Jillian Smith

Help Jillian Fight Cancer

Jillian is the beloved first grade teacher at Donahue Academy, where her daughters are also students. She and her husband, Chris, came to Ave Maria, attracted by its beautiful community and schools, last year. Jillian gave birth to their fifth child in November and has just been diagnosed with cancer. Let's rally around the Smiths and support them with material and spiritual gifts, especially prayers for her complete recovery and healing. This fundraiser intends to provide financial relief for medical costs and lost income while Jillian undergoes cancer treatment. 
>> See all the ways you can help Jillian and her family: https://givelife.my.canva.site/give-for-jillian <<

Recent Donations
Show:
Anonymous Giver
$ 200.00 USD
7 days ago

Praying for you!

Anonymous Giver
$ 100.00 USD
18 days ago

Anonymous Giver
$ 50.00 USD
24 days ago

Anonymous
$ 100.00 USD
1 month ago

Anonymous Giver
$ 100.00 USD
1 month ago

The Ciccanesi Family
$ 100.00 USD
1 month ago

Jillian, we are thinking of you and your beautiful family and sending you all of our prayers! Stay strong!

Anonymous Giver
$ 100.00 USD
1 month ago

BLucas
$ 500.00 USD
1 month ago

Thinking of you and your family

Jay- Julie- Kayla Tarigo
$ 300.00 USD
1 month ago

We’re thinking of you.

Carol Mase
$ 100.00 USD
1 month ago

My prayers are with you and your family.

Anonymous Giver
$ 500.00 USD
2 months ago

Raquel Barney
$ 20.00 USD
2 months ago

Praying for healing from the top of your head to the bottom of your feet! Praying for divine intervention and protection, healing, comfort, and strength!

Anonymous Giver
$ 100.00 USD
2 months ago

Anonymous Giver
$ 1000.00 USD
2 months ago

Keeping you in my prayers!

Laura Joseph
$ 150.00 USD
2 months ago

Donated in memory of Anthony Joseph, you are in my prayers.

Anonymous Giver
$ 100.00 USD
2 months ago

Prayers from St Patrick’s for Paula, Jillian and family

April Rose
$ 25.00 USD
2 months ago

Praying for you Jillian.

Anonymous Giver
$ 150.00 USD
2 months ago

Praying to Barbara and St. Jude!

Maria Tasca
$ 100.00 USD
2 months ago

Praying for Jillian.

Joan Higgins
$ 100.00 USD
2 months ago

Love, thoughts and prayers to you and your beautiful family ❤️!

Updates

Update #4

March 10th, 2025

So much has happened in such a small span of time.  On 12/31 Jillian was diagnosed with colon cancer and now just 3 months later she has gone through the roller coaster of treatments, strange reactions, life changing news, and encouraging moments.  All this while being an amazing wife and mother.  We are grateful to friends and family from all over the country that have taken time to pray, connect with Jill and help us at this time.

Jill's last doctor visit was full of hope and good news.  The doctor reported her blood work looks good and she is showing positive results with treatment.  We are most excited that on 4/2 Jill has scheduled a PET scan to determine how much change has occurred since treatments started.  We are believing for a full recovery and healing for Jillian and thank everyone for their prayers.  We ask that everyone pray that the PET scan will show clearly her progress.  We believe that "by His wounds" Jillian is healed.  Thank you again for all you do.

Update Update #4 Image
Update #3

February 25th, 2025

Tomorrow Jillian has her 4th treatment and we find out when we will receive the next scan to determine how her body has responded to treatment.  Last week Jillian met with our GI doctor who originally found the cancer and he said that her blood work and progress is very promising.  She also spoke with a dietician who was encouraging Jill regarding her diet and maintaining weight during this time.

We know with all our hearts that God put each of you in our lives.  That the prayers, meals and aide given has been a source of joy and strength during this time.  We pray continually for each of you that God will bless and meet your needs as you have helped meet ours.

With all our heart we thank you!

Update #2

February 3rd, 2025

ill has completed her second treatment and had a better experience this round than the first.  She is still a few treatments away from screening on exactly how well everything is progressing, however we are confident that the prayers offered by everyone broke through physical and spiritual hindrances and made it possible for the Holy Spirit to move.  
Many may have met a few family members who have joined us over the past month.  My mother, Jill’s mom, her brother, and her father have all come to support Jillian with several other friends and family set to come in the weeks ahead.  All these people have been touched by the love and generosity of our community.  We couldn’t thank you enough for the hard work and sacrifices made that have only served to make Jillian better.  She is in good spirits and looking forward to the day she can report confidently she is cancer-free.  Know you are in our prayers, and we pray that God will show himself strong in each of your lives giving His grace to all who require it in their time of need.  
May the Lord bless you and keep you, make His face shine upon you and give you His peace this day and forever more.

First Treatment Completed

January 20th, 2025

Last Wednesday Jillian started her first chemo treatment and Friday she completed it.  The weekend was a little rough but she is resting and hopeful.  We are overwhelmed by the love, support and prayers of everyone.  It is humbling and encouraging to see how gracious everyone has been.  We thank everyone who has donated, given meals, offered prayers and even encouragement.  We hope to provide more regular updates in the weeks to come as things start to settle down and we adjust to this new routine.  Thank you everyone and may God bless 100 fold the love that you've shown us in this life and the one to come. 

Update First Treatment Completed Image

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