Jessica Butler
Community Hero 2005
Jessica is a fun-loving 12-year-old who answers to the nicknames “Sweetpea” and “Peaches.” She has a palate for wild duck, goose, shrimp and clams. Jessica excels in science at school, has a penchant for art and soccer, and enjoys listening to the sounds of pop star Gwen Stefani. And she never misses a chance to shower loving attention on her dogs, Buddy and Max.
Having been diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) in 2004, Jessica is no stranger to continuous hospital stays and the rigors of cancer. As Jessica puts it, “fighting the sickness after chemo is one of cancer’s most difficult trials.”
Like a true hero, Jessica takes these challenges head-on. Even when she’s not feeling well, Jessica never loses her generous smile. Her wonderful outlook on life and bright spirit lift everyone around her. “Jessica is so full of life you can’t help but be inspired by her. She’s so strong—and refuses to let this disease stop her joyful nature,” says Sue, her mother.
When asked what advice she’d give to others in her condition, Jessica says, “Take life as it comes, keep your head up and always keep smiling.”
