JACKSON — Friends, family members and neighbors are rallying to support a Jackson mother who is fighting an aggressive form of brain cancer.
People who know Teresa Bonneau, 43, describe her as a “super mom” who would do anything for her sons, ages 4, 7 and 9.
“[Bonneau] is just always kind and sweet … she is always smiling, she has an infectious laugh and she is a very good mom to her boys,” said her cousin, Stacy Stark-Ashworth.
The lives of Bonneau and her family members were forever changed after she felt tingling in her fingers and blacked out and fell while she was getting ready for work. Testing showed a malignant tumor on her brain and a diagnosis of glioblastoma multiforme.
According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, glioblastoma multiforme is a highly aggressive, incurable form of brain cancer.
Stark-Ashworth said the news of Bonneau’s diagnosis sent ripples through the family and her immediate community.
“Theresa’s diagnosis was a shock in the beginning,” Stark-Ashworth said.
Bonneau underwent further testing, and doctors determined they could not operate on the tumor because it had incorporated itself throughout too much of her brain, Stark-Ashworth said.
Bonneau was released to her family’s care and her health continued to deteriorate.
“It had gotten so bad at home that we were lifting her and trying to get her to open her mouth to put a straw in it so she could drink or eat something,” Stark-Ashworth said.
She said Bonneau is undergoing physical therapy at the Manor by the Sea in Ocean Grove and taking chemotherapy treatments.
Bonneau’s career of more than two decades in human relations came to a halt just months after she took a new position in September, leaving the financial burden of running a family on the shoulders of her husband, Brian.
Other family members have stepped up to help in whatever way they can.
Stark-Ashworth said she started an online fundraiser shortly after Bonneau’s diagnosis. She said more than $14,000 has been raised on GoFundMe.com.
In addition, local businesses have sought to help the family.
On Feb. 23, the Jackson Knights of Columbus, Bartley Road, hosted a “Race for Life” event in honor of Bonneau. All proceeds generated by the event went to the family.
On Feb. 26, the White Butterfly in Jackson held a special sale in honor of Bonneau, with a portion of the proceeds going to the family.
Starting at noon on March 9, a benefit titled “Coming Together for Teresa” will be held at the Cabin, Route 33, Howell, to help raise money for Bonneau.
The Cabin will donate 20 percent of its food proceeds to the family. Along with meal specials, the fundraiser will feature a gift auction, a 50/50 raffle, vendors and live music from Tommy Byrne, Gary Cavico, the Eddie Testa Band and September’s Brew.
Despite the difficulties facing the Bonneau family, Stark-Ashworth said her cousin remains as positive as ever, mostly because of her loving family and the support of the community.
“The family is very grateful,” Stark- Ashworth said. “They are just so overwhelmed with everything that has been going on.”