Jess ballance

(Cystic Fibrosis) Jess was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at a very young age. Additionally, she suffers from an extremely rare fungus in her lungs that is responsible for hindering her ability to obtain the double lung transplant she desperately needs. Several hospitals have investigated the procedure but decided against it for fear of releasing the fungus into her body, or into the new lungs. Although the average life expectancy for someone with Cystic Fibrosis is 35-37 years, Jess was told in her early 20’s that she had approximately five years to live due to the fungus. She is now 26. Through all these physical and emotional ups and downs, Jess continues to fight.

Jess doesn’t let Cystic Fibrosis define her. She graduated from Boston University, and when the pandemic ends and her health improves, she hopes to begin working to better women’s rights-work that she enjoyed prior to her illness becoming more severe. She teaches a virtual crocheting class, and works out with her trainer, Heather Bakker, as her health allows, four times a week.

Heather and Jess have worked together in the Fighting Back Program for seven years, and Heather says “Jess continues to astound me with her drive, courage, strength, and mental fortitude.She’s an amazing young woman.”