Jessy Ollman experienced the unthinkable when her vibrant 3-year-old daughter Juliet Shippee succumbed to brain cancer in October. Now, the Haverhill mom is raising awareness for childhood cancer in Juliet’s memory.
Diagnosed in July with a low-grade astrocytoma, Juliet underwent two surgeries and chemotherapy before suffering a minor stroke that left her unable to move her left side. Doctors at Mass General Hospital told Ollman her daughter had a three to four-week life expectancy, but once her cancer spread, the family, including dad Jason and brothers Isaiah, 8, and Noah, 5, had eight days with Juliet before she died on Oct. 29.
Juliet Shippee
“Juliet was an awesome little girl and was always happy,” her mom told WHAV. “She had a list of people who worked with her in the hospital who would rather hang out with her. Her personality was amazing. I couldn’t have asked for a better child, to be honest.”
To honor Juliet, the family is hosting a fundraiser on Friday, Dec. 8 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 24 Summer St. All money raised will be donated to Mass General’s oncology department to assist with research and other patient needs.
Ollman tells WHAV she hopes that her event will be able to turn into an annual fundraiser for childhood cancer.
“I just want more awareness. Not just for us, but there are a lot of other families that just went through this,” Ollman said. “Childhood cancer is such a hush-hush thing because a lot of people don’t go through it and don’t see it, but once you go through it, you feel it shouldn’t be a hush-hush thing anymore.”
Friday’s fundraiser will include a 50/50 raffle, gift basket giveaways, a silent auction, food and a cash bar. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children. The family has also set up a GoFundMe page to accept donations.
The Elks Lodge is located at 24 Summer St., Haverhill. Friday’s fundraiser takes place from 6 to 10 p.m.