Jessica Pettway Dies at 36 After Cervical Cancer Battle
Courtesy of Jessica Pettway/Instagram
Jessica Pettway, a popular ****YouTuber known for her beauty and lifestyle content, passed away on March 13 at the age of 36 after fighting cervical cancer.
Her sister, Reyni, announced the sad news on Friday, March 15 through her private Instagram account, as reported by E! News.
Today is my birthday, and all I can wish for is to have you back with me on this earth. I lost my beloved big sister just 2 days ago, and my heart has never felt this much pain.
Back in July 2023, Pettway revealed that she was fighting stage III cervical cancer. Initially, doctors had mistakenly diagnosed and treated her for fibroids, which are non-cancerous growths on the uterus. She had quietly started cancer treatment five months before sharing the news.
In a post on Instagram, Pettway revealed her diagnosis from the previous year, sharing her story in detail with the hope of inspiring others.
Her journey began in 2022 when Pettway realized she was having heavy vaginal bleeding, which she initially dismissed as normal after discussing it with friends. However, a month later, her husband discovered her unconscious in the bathroom.
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A post shared by Jessica Pettway (@jessicapettway)
She shared in a post dated July 31, 2023, "I had actually died. But he prayed for me and I miraculously returned. At the hospital, they explained that the excessive bleeding was caused by 'fibroids.'"
After experiencing more episodes of heavy bleeding and intense labor pains, she underwent multiple hospitalizations. It wasn't until February 2023 that she was accurately diagnosed.
When I first heard the diagnosis, I told myself, "I won't accept this." Despite being told I had cancer, I remained unfazed. It wasn't the news that shook me, but the reactions of those around me. I believed in God as my healer and knew that nothing, not even cancer, could defeat me. I was confident that I would overcome this challenge.
The beauty influencer started her YouTube journey in 2013, creating and sharing 450 videos in the span of a decade. With a subscriber count of over 225,000, she had built a strong following. Even though she had not uploaded any content for more than a year, her fans flooded her YouTube and Instagram pages with messages after her passing.
Reyni praised her sister as "amazing, strong, confident," and someone who had "so much wisdom, prayed for me, and helped me become a better mother."
Pettway is survived by her husband of 12 years, Michael, and their daughters, Kailee, 10, and Zoi Lee, 3.
Editor's P/S:
Jessica Pettway's untimely passing is a profound loss. Her unwavering spirit in the face of adversity is both inspiring and heartbreaking. Her journey serves as a reminder to cherish every moment and to appreciate the fragility of life.
While the misdiagnosis and delayed treatment are unfortunate, it highlights the importance of listening to our bodies and seeking medical attention when necessary. Pettway's advocacy for self-care and sharing her story to empower others is a testament to her strength and resilience. Her legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire and provide comfort to those who are facing similar challenges. empower others to take charge of their health and seek medical attention when needed. Her passing is a reminder that we must prioritize preventive care and support those affected by cancer, offering them compassion and resources during their time of struggle.