“As a survivor, I learned how powerful a second opinion can be: it connected me with a specialist who saw new possibilities, and that changed everything for my treatment and hope for a cure.”

– Jessica Delaney Sloper, Colorectal Cancer Survivor

“You have 2 years to get your affairs in order.”

“When I was given this advice following my stage 4 colorectal cancer diagnosis, I immediately wanted to prove those doctors wrong. And I did—with the help of New England Cancer Specialists. 

 “After meeting with experts across the country, my family and I found a doctor based in Rochester, NY who was working on a revolutionary way to treat my specific cancer. The only caveat was I would need to find a local oncologist willing to partner with him, coordinate my care, and oversee the treatment closer to home. I found that person in Dr. Evans. Our daughters played soccer together, and I just went up to him on the sidelines and asked if he’d be willing to be part of this journey with me. Where others said no, he said yes — and it changed everything for me and for my family. I think this is what makes Maine so special.”

 “Now look, I could go on for quite a bit getting into the weeds of everything, but I’ll just say this—after a year of chemotherapy, after getting a section of my colon removed, after receiving a living donor liver transplant from my brother, I now get to stand before my family and friends with a smile, happy to be cheering on my amazing daughters and celebrating each day with my husband. I’m not just surviving, I am living. And for that, I’m thankful for every day.”

Jessica with her husband, three children and two dogs playing cards.

Jessica’s three daughters with the notes Jessica left behind before her surgery.