Pregnant mom with brain tumor wants to leave her family with happy memories
Jessica Herbert, 30, was about halfway through her third pregnancy when doctors told her she had a rare, incurable 4-inch brain tumor known as anaplastic astrocytoma.
The Utah mother-of-two was devastated and angry at first. Then, after letting the reality of her situation sink in, she decided to adopt a positive outlook. She told TODAY:
"I had to do it for my kids and husband. I have so much to be grateful for. My goal for the future is to stay as positive as I possibly can and make the most out of my time with my family and loved ones. Our goal as a family is to spend as much quality time together as possible - time is all I can give my loved ones. I want to create as many memories as possible right now, while I'm still feeling well."
Herbert plans to spend as much time as she can with her husband, Eric, and their daughters, Harlow, 5, and Harper, 3. Herbert's brother and his wife created a You Caring fundraising site in an effort to raise money so that the family can travel and go on as many adventures as possible in their limited time together. They have already raised $22,000. The site reads:
"Our wish is for Jessica and her family to enjoy every minute they have together. Jessica would love to travel, to help build a future for her girls, and to create memories with her family that they can cherish forever."
The family has reportedly already traveled to Disneyland as well as a beach in California. Herbert will cherish the memories of her beautiful daughters playing in the water. Eric told TODAY:
"I do not take anything for granted anymore, each moment is a gift and we have no idea when the gifts are going to stop coming, so we have to cherish each one."
Despite Herbert's condition, she will still be able to deliver the couple's third daughter, who is scheduled to be born on July 17. After the baby is born, Herbert will reportedly begin chemotherapy and radiation in an effort to shrink the tumor. Herbert told TODAY:
"For me, positivity is key. It definitely doesn't come easily, but in order to help your body heal, a good state of mind is really the best you can do for yourself," said Jessica. "In the meantime, we want to create wonderful memories with one another. Our wish is to travel together and experience unique adventures while having pictures and videos my girls can look back on."
Herbert's positive attitude has helped her husband and daughters cope with the situation. Herbert's outlook and strength inspire Eric daily. He hopes that her story will help inspire others. He told TODAY:
"Jessica is hands down the strongest woman I that I have ever met. She inspires me daily to be a better person, better father and better husband. Our real hope in all of this is that we can help to inspire people to stay positive and never give up no matter the situation."
Jessica Herbert. They will induce her next week. God bless her and her family. pic.twitter.com/xsWWWRSsly
— Lisa Horne (@LisaHorne) July 10, 2015
Watch this video for ideas about how to have fun with the family. It's never too late:
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