Jessica Hanna, a mother from Michigan, was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was only 14 weeks pregnant with her fourth child.
Although her doctor recommended terminating the pregnancy, Hanna, being a devout Roman Catholic, refused to do so.
She bravely faced this challenging situation while carrying her baby to term.
Opting to embrace her pregnancy while combating cancer, Hanna chronicled her faith-filled journey on social media, amassing nearly 60,000 followers on her Instagram account, @blessed_by_cancer. Her story resonated with countless individuals as she navigated the complexities of treatment while nurturing her unborn child.
In May 2021, Jessica gave birth to a healthy baby boy named Thomas and was declared cancer-free shortly after. However, the joyous reprieve was fleeting as the cancer resurfaced at Stage 4 in December 2022, ultimately leading to Jessica’s passing on April 6, 2023, at the age of 41.
In an exclusive interview with The Post ahead of Mother’s Day, Jessica’s husband, Lamar Hanna, opened up about their journey of triumph and heartache. Despite the medical challenges, Jessica remained steadfast in her commitment to choose life, defying doctors’ recommendations to terminate her pregnancy.
Throughout In battle with cancer, Jessica’s unwavering faith and resilience served as a beacon of hope to many. From her hospital bed, she live-streamed prayers and shared candid updates on social media, offering an intimate glimpse into her journey of chemotherapy and prayer.
Beyond the digital realm, Jessica’s unwavering devotion to spreading hope and faith extended to speaking engagements at Catholic churches and pro-life conferences. Her courage and steadfast belief in life’s sanctity touched countless individuals’ lives, inspiring them to find strength in adversity.
Despite her passing, Jessica’s legacy endures through an outpouring of worldwide support. A GoFundMe page established during her final months garnered $240,000 in donations, a testament to the widespread impact of her story.
Lamar Hanna continues honouring his late wife’s memory by maintaining her Instagram account and fulfilling her final wishes, including organising masses and collecting letters and prayers from well-wishers.
Jessica’s courageous journey is a poignant reminder of the power of faith and resilience in adversity. Her unwavering commitment to life and willingness to share her story have left an indelible mark on those who witnessed her journey.
Born and raised in Michigan, Jessica met Lamar while pursuing a pharmacy doctorate at Wayne State University in Detroit. Over their 12-year marriage, they welcomed three children before facing the challenges of Jessica’s cancer diagnosis during her fourth pregnancy.
Initially diagnosed in December 2020, Jessica underwent surgery to remove a 13-centimeter tumor from her breast. Subsequent tests revealed that the cancer had spread to almost all of her lymph nodes, posing a significant challenge to her health and pregnancy.
Despite the daunting prognosis, Jessica remained resolute in her decision to carry her baby to term, viewing her pregnancy as a testament to her faith and a source of strength in the face of adversity.
Jessica’s legacy lives on not only in the hearts of her family but also in the countless individuals she touched with her unwavering courage and faith. Her story is a powerful testament to the enduring power of hope and the resilience of the human spirit.
As her family and loved ones mourn her loss, Jessica’s memory remains a beacon of inspiration, reminding us to cherish each moment and embrace life’s challenges with unwavering faith and courage.
©M10news 2024
