In late 2013 Nicole, a 20 year old college student, was diagnosed with desmoplastic small round cell tumor, a rare type of cancer that is very difficult to treat. Nicole underwent several months of intensive chemotherapy, during which time her mother took an extended leave of absence from her employment to care for Nicole. Following chemotherapy, Nicole’s survival depended on receiving a specialized surgical and radiation therapy which is only offered at MD Anderson Cancer Center located in Houston, Texas. The insurance coverage needed for this treatment required Nicole’s mother to return to work, at which point Nicole’s sister took a leave of absence from college to care for her. In mid 2014 The Jillian Fund provided Nicole’s family with airfare, transportation and lodging for three months to facilitate Nicole’s transfer to/from MD Anderson Cancer Center and allow Nicole’s sister to care for her while in Texas.