JessFest

JessFest Jess passed away from Stage IV, Metastatic Breast Cancer in February 2022. We anticipate anywhere between 200-400 in attendance during the five hour event.

The Jess Stach Beard Love & Light Foundation (an affiliate of the Annapolis Community Foundation), in partnership with Respite Retreats, was established to honor her life & legacy. The Jess Stach Beard Love & Light Foundation (an affiliate of the Annapolis Community Foundation), in partnership with Respite Retreats, was established to honor the life and legacy of Jess Stach Beard who passed from S

tage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer in February 2022 at the age of 30. Jess was one of a kind- relentless, courageous and a light for those fighting alongside her. She advocated for and gave a voice to those who felt alone and fearful during their cancer journey. She provided resources, hope and courage to children facing cancer and showed up every single day for herself and others, proving that in the face of tremendous adversity faith and hope can prevail. Jess’ perseverance and grit helped her to thrive in spite of her disease and her foundation will help to ensure many more diagnosed with MBC are able to do so as well. The foundation’s mission is to raise money and awareness for metastatic breast cancer research and support for metastatic breast cancer survivors. We are excited to share that we will be continuing our fundraising efforts with JESS FEST 2026 on Saturday, October 10th from 3-8 pm on Fairview Farm in Davidsonville, MD to raise money for Metastatic Breast Cancer Thrivers, fulfilling the JSB Love & Light Foundation’s mission. The event will include local food and drink trucks, kids activities, music, an auction and much more. Throughout the day we will also have various speakers that will share their stories and help shine a light on Metastatic Breast Cancer and those affected by it both directly and indirectly. Together we can make a difference in the lives of those diagnosed with Metastatic Breast Cancer and help advance research for a cure. If you would like additional information, please contact us at [email protected]. Thank you for your support! Love & Light,

The JESS FEST 2026 Planning Team

11/02/2025

31 Days. 3,500+ Lives.

Every day, 117 people in the U.S. die from metastatic breast cancer (MBC)—moms, dads, daughters, sons, sisters, brothers, friends. In 2025, that number is expected to exceed 42,000 lives lost. Each one deserved more.

As October ends and pink ribbons fade, we cannot forget Stage IV—not for a single day. Only 13% of breast cancer research funding goes to the disease that kills. That must change.

Thank you for following our posts. Please keep sharing, inviting others to join us, and spreading the word. We will not stop funding metastatic research until no one dies of MBC.

We must do MORE for stage IV.

Don’t ignore stage IV.

10/31/2025

When thinking of how you can help people going through a cancer diagnosis, here are some great tips of ways you can support them without putting the burden on them to figure out how you can help.

10/31/2025

Day 30 - Why We Need More Metastatic Research

Developing a new cancer drug takes an average of 10+ years from Phase I trial to approval. But for metastatic breast cancer patients—facing a median life expectancy of just 36 months—that timeline is far too slow.

We can’t afford wasted time or wasted dollars. Too much funding has gone to “awareness,” while 117 people still die every day from MBC.

We need bold investment in metastatic research—to understand why breast cancer spreads and how to stop it. With better funding, the best ideas and brightest scientists can deliver treatments that save lives.

We have no time to spare. Not a dollar to waste. That’s why METAvivor exclusively funds metastatic breast cancer research. Since our founding in 2009, METAvivor has awarded over $37.5 million in research grants – and you can support the next cycle of life saving research grants by donating today!

Don’t ignore stage IV.

We LOVE you all 🖤🤘🏽 until 2026!
10/29/2025

We LOVE you all 🖤🤘🏽 until 2026!

10/29/2025

Day 29 - Clinical Trials: Research in Action

Every cancer drug in use today began as a clinical trial. Yet myths persist—like patients only get “sugar pills”; trials are only for “last-ditch efforts”; or participants are “guinea pigs.” None of this is true.
• Patients always receive at least the standard of care.
• Trials test new ways to treat, diagnose, or manage side effects.
• Placebos are only used with standard treatment—not alone.

Trials progress through phases to test safety, dosage, and effectiveness compared to current therapies. Participation is voluntary, and patients can withdraw at any time with medical guidance.

As the National Cancer Institute says: “When you take part in a clinical trial, you add to our knowledge about cancer and help improve cancer care for future patients.”

Clinical trials are research in action. We must fund the action.

Don’t ignore stage IV.

10/29/2025

Day 28 - MBC: Looking Good ≠ Feeling Good

For those with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), treatment doesn’t typically start with the harshest drugs. Since there is no cure, the goal is to control progression—ideally reaching stability or even NED—while using the least toxic options. Still, treatment is lifelong, and side effects can be severe: anemia, nausea, diarrhea, neuropathy, bone pain, extreme fatigue, and more.

Hair loss isn’t the only sign of sickness. Many patients may “look fine” while enduring debilitating symptoms.

MBC patients deserve treatments that are effective and well-tolerated. Only more research will get us there.

Don’t ignore stage IV.

10/27/2025

Day 27 - No Evidence of Disease (NED)

Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) has no cure, but some patients can reach “no evidence of disease” (NED/NEAD)—a period where scans show no detectable cancer.

But NED is not the same as a cure. Currently scans can’t detect cancer at the cellular level, and hidden cells may remain, ready to grow again. That’s why most MBC patients stay in treatment indefinitely, and why even “stable” cancer can eventually outsmart therapies.

We need more research to develop effective, well-tolerated treatments that help patients not only reach—but maintain—NED.

Don’t ignore stage IV.

10/26/2025

Day 26

Most people think of breast cancer as a lump—but sudden swelling, redness, skin that looks bruised or like an orange peel, or rapid breast changes can be signs of Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC), a rare and aggressive subtype. Other symptoms include breast pain, heaviness, ni**le inversion, or swollen lymph nodes.

IBC blocks lymph vessels in the skin, progresses quickly, and is often mistaken for infection—especially in younger or pregnant women—leading to delayed diagnosis. It’s more common in younger patients, Black women, and those with dense breast tissue. By the time skin changes appear, it’s already at least Stage III.

Treatment usually starts with chemotherapy, followed by surgery (most often a modified radical mastectomy) and/or radiation. HER2 and hormone receptor testing guide targeted therapies. Because IBC is distinct and aggressive, consulting an IBC specialist and considering clinical trials is critical.

We urgently need more research to understand IBC and develop better treatments that extend lives.

Don’t ignore stage IV.

10/24/2025

Day 23 - Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) makes up about 15% of breast cancers. It lacks estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors—meaning many standard therapies don’t work. TNBC grows quickly, is more likely to spread early, and often recurs within 5 years. It disproportionately affects women under 40, Black women, and those with BRCA1 mutations.

For metastatic TNBC (TNMBC), treatment options are limited. Chemotherapy is still the standard, but it’s highly toxic for patients in lifelong treatment. Newer options like immunotherapy, PARP inhibitors, and antibody-drug conjugates show promise, but they don’t work for everyone.

We need safer, more effective treatments—and that means more metastatic research.

Don’t ignore stage IV.

Address

2414 Rutland Road
Davidsonville, MD
20716

Telephone

+12408822587

Website

http://linktr.ee/jsbloveandlight, https://www.respiteretreats.org/jess-fest

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