In February of 2005, Denise and Jimmy Martell were blessed with their first child, Jessica. The first grandchild on her father’s side and the second on her mother’s side, she is the apple of their eye and she lights up their lives.

Shortly after Jessica’s second birthday, she began holding her head back frequently and started losing weight. Scans showed a mass resting right behind her trachea (airway), infiltrating her top two vertebrae and spreading into the lymph nodes in her neck.

Jessica has been diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer called Chordoma www.ChordomaFoundation.org. The incidence of Chordoma in the general U.S. population is about 8 per 10 million people. At the tender age of 21/2, this beautiful sweet girl had already endured three weeks of induced coma, numerous radiation scans and three surgeries, including a tracheotomy. She is currently undergoing chemotherapy and spends her weeks between home and hospital, courageously facing shots and blood tests on a daily basis.

Jessica will eventually have further surgery to aid in removal of this tumor. Mom, Dad and Jessica will later travel to Massachusetts for two months to receive a specialized form of radiation to treat this type of cancer. Jessica needs to be a little older for this type of treatment, so until then she will be treated with different types of chemo agents to maintain the size of the mass. Upon treatment completion, frequent medical follow-ups will be necessary, as there is high rate of reoccurrence of Chordoma.

TRATTORIA LUCIA RESTAURANT, would like to do what we can to support her heroic battle against cancer. A benefit is scheduled for November 21st 2008, at our restaurant. Please join us for a night of dinner, dancing & raffles. We will also be accepting any donations on behalf of BUBBLES FOR JESSICA. Proceeds will go directly to Jessica’s medical needs.

Advances in surgery, radiation and imaging techniques in the past two decades have increased survival rates. We need to help find a cure. Bubbles are one of Jessica’s favorite things, they always make her smile. We ask your support in providing Jessica with the help that’s needed to continue making her smile and enjoying this beautiful life. No child or parent should ever have to face something like this alone. Please find it in your hearts to help.