Tamaqua Community Rallies for Two Women Fighting Cancer

When Heather Yocum and Jenn Land needed help most, their Tamaqua, Pennsylvania community showed up in a big way.

Yocum is fighting Advanced Stage 3 pancreatic cancer, while Land battles Stage 3 breast cancer. Both women have been unable to work during treatment, creating mounting financial pressure on top of their health challenges.

That's where Jennifer Miller stepped in. The cancer survivor launched GoFundMe campaigns for both women, asking community members to contribute even just a dollar to help.

The results have been powerful. Thanks to donations, Yocum was able to receive specialty radiation treatment available at only 10 sites across the nation. She traveled to the David H. Koch Center for Cancer Care at Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York, staying at Hope Lodge while undergoing treatment.

"She is feeling pretty good. She is in much less pain than she was," Miller said, though Yocum still experiences nausea and fatigue. One more trip to New York for follow-up treatment remains, and the fundraiser will help cover transportation and related costs.

Land has completed chemotherapy and radiation, though adjusting her medications has proven difficult. She hasn't been able to work for nine months due to her illness.

The Ripple Effect

The community support extends beyond these two women. Miller emphasized that donations to local American Cancer Society branches stay in the area, helping people with rides to appointments, wigs, groceries, gas cards, and overnight stays at Hope Lodges.

Miller has set her sights on a meaningful milestone for all three women. They plan to walk together in upcoming American Cancer Society Relay for Life events, completing the survivors' lap as a team.

"We're going to make it. All three of us will be there," Miller promised. She's asking the community for one final push to help Yocum and Land cross the finish line of their treatments.

The fundraisers remain active, welcoming contributions of any size to help these women focus on healing instead of financial stress.