Jessica Jones Froelick

September 27, 1983 – November 5, 2017

The Jessica’s Heroes Foundation was formed to honor and carry on the caring work of Jessica Froelick. Jessica passed away at the young age of 34 from Metastatic Breast Cancer. Jessica bravely fought this very difficult and trying battle for 7 years.

Born in Oneida on September 27, 1983, she was the daughter of Charles and Debbie Jones. A lifelong resident of Oneida, NY, Jessica was a graduate of Oneida High School, class of 2001. She later received her degree in Medical Laboratory Technology from Morrisville College. Jessica was married to Joe Froelick and they have 2 young boys Logan and Tyler, the joy and light of her life.

Jessica worked as a phlebotomist at Oneida Healthcare Center and as Medical Laboratory Technologist at Icon Development Solutions.

Many co-workers have said she was loving, compassionate, giving, giant heart, hardworking and determined. Jess was full of ideas on how to improve things at work and embrace change. She handled her illness with such grace and amazingly positive attitude. Amy Ross, a co-worker and friend of Jessica’s said “Jessie always worried about how her illness affected the rest of us at work.” “She used her illness to teach others and assist those just beginning the fight. She never gave up, no matter how dire the news was at a Doctors’ visit. She would ask what could she try next without shedding a tear.”

One of the most remarkable things about Jessica was her amazingly brave attitude to overcome the daily challenges of this terrible disease. Jessica was never heard to utter the most expected words, “WHY ME?” 

Jessica focused her energy on taking on the battle, educating herself as much as possible on her own treatments and that of others. Jessica tirelessly dedicated herself to helping others going through similar health issues with cancer. 

One fundraising event Jessica was involved with was the annual Relay for Life of Madison County. Jessica was involved as a participant and guest speaker where she shared her story. Jessica was also the captain of the Relay for Life's "Save a Rack" team. She explained to other people beginning their own journey with cancer to know it may be an incredibly difficult battle, but her own experience proved it is a fight that can be fought with a positive attitude. Speaking at the 2015 Relay, "I want to try to give them hope," Jessica explained. "I want to share the story of how I am a survivor of stage 3 breast cancer and how I fought the disease while working, raising two kids, and going back to school.”

In addition to her dedicated activities as a Breast Cancer Survivor fundraiser, Jessica also could be found many times at the side of another Survivor. Jessica would calmly sit with someone during their own diagnosis and treatments, lending her strength, hope and a helping hand. This Survivor could be a close friend or associate as well as someone she barely knew. What mattered to Jessica was being there during their darkest times and finding help in whatever form was needed. Help could be in the form of the right Specialist, gas to get to appointments and treatments, food for their family or even a temporary place to live. 

Jessica’s strength and incredible kindness came from a deep place in her big heart. Jessica’s Heroes Foundation is dedicated to carrying on her mission to help others during their cancer journey. “If I can help ease the stress a little of covering everyday expenses, they can focus their energy on getting better.”

Jessica is our most loved and precious Hero. Her kindness and tireless efforts to help others guides us every day.