Photo provided by Jessica Bernstein Wendi Smith and Jenny Ellison-Moore have been friends since they were in junior high in Lake Arrowhead, California. Now, the two friends battle breast cancer together despite being on opposite sides of the country.

Jenny Ellison-Moore and Wendi Smith have shared a bond that has endured since childhood in the San Bernardino Mountains. Their friendship is now facing its most formidable challenge yet.

On February 19, 2024, Eillison-Moore, who now lives in Oregon and is a single mom of 4 children, received the heartbreaking news of her diagnosis. Just a few weeks later, Smith, who is a mother of two children and who cares for her elderly father who lives with her, also received the same devastating news.

Smith had been putting off a mammogram despite noticing some warning signs during self-exams; after her friend’s diagnosis, she knew she needed to get screened.

In February, Smith was diagnosed with Paget’s (PAJ-its) disease of the breast, which is a rare form of breast cancer.

The women have two very different types of breast cancer, which means two different courses of treatment. However, both women underwent the surgical removal of their right breasts, adding an emotionally challenging battle as they cope with the loss of a part of their body.

Smith underwent her mastectomy in July and, two weeks later, was admitted to Cleveland Clinic due to MRSA.

Smith has six more treatments of radiation; she will then return to Cleveland Clinic for a CT scan to make sure her body is cancer-free and a bone density scan.

“The unknown has been scary, at first it was will I live or die, but Jenny and I are both pretty positive people and have been able to be here for each other,” said Smith.

“Through it all, they remain pillars of strength, determined to fight this cruel disease with courage and grace,” said their childhood friend Jessica Bernstein.

Bernstein has set up a GoFundMe account for the women to help ease the financial stress of battling cancer, as both women have had to take time away from work for treatment and manage these challenges while raising young children and running their households.

Smith pleads that everyone, men and women, get screened for breast cancer, especially if they notice abnormalities.

Smith says that the Warren community has been incredible.

“The support and encouragement I have received from people is amazing. I couldn’t ask for a better community,” said Smith.

https://gofund.me/26dc566c