Choosing Joy: The Friendship and Mission of Jessi and Rebecca

Photo Credit: Kristin Musselman, Lucky Lane Photography

"In prosperity, our friends know us; in adversity, we know our friends." These words from John Churton Collins couldn't ring more true for Jessica Story and Rebecca Church. 

In the face of unimaginable adversity, Jessica (Jessi) and her best friend, Rebecca, have shown remarkable resilience and chosen joy over fear. Diagnosed with ALS in 2020, Jessi embodies resilience, faith, and joy, turning a devastating prognosis into a mission to spread light and love. Alongside her best friend and staunch advocate, Jessi has launched the Fight ALS for Jess Foundation to provide resources and support to local families affected by the disease. Their journey is a testament to the power of friendship, faith, and choosing joy– even in life's darkest hours.

"When Jessi received her diagnosis, it was devastating, but we decided together that this would not define her," Rebecca shares. "She said, 'I'm going to live my life. I'm going to choose joy every single day.' And she meant it."

Rebecca has stood by Jessi through the relentless challenges of ALS—a fatal neurodegenerative disease that gradually robs individuals of their ability to walk, talk, eat, and even breathe. The average life expectancy following diagnosis is two to four years, but Jessi's unwavering optimism and faith have propelled her well past that prognosis. Through the shared battles, triumphs, and everyday moments, their bond has grown into a powerhouse of positivity and advocacy.

"Every time I see her, I'm inspired," Rebecca says. "She faces each day with a smile, even when it's hard. She's a true warrior." 

Her incredible family, friends, and caregivers have been by her side around the clock as well. Jessi is a loving mother to her son Bryce, 12. Her mother, Kim, is also local to the area and an integral part of her support system.

Choosing Joy in the Face of Adversity

For Jessi, joy is a conscious choice—a mindset she credits to her deep faith in Jesus Christ and her unyielding gratitude for life's blessings.

"Joy is not a circumstance; it's a decision," Jessi explains. "Yes, ALS is real, and it's tough, but I have so much to live for. I'm lucky to have incredible friends, caregivers, and a community that loves me unconditionally. I'm lucky to know Jesus as my Savior. Even though my time here will end, I know I'll live on with Him."

This perspective has shaped Jessi's approach to her diagnosis and the foundation's mission. The Fight ALS for Jess Foundation aims to bring awareness, resources, and accessibility to families grappling with ALS.

"Accessibility is a human right," Jessi emphasizes. "Families impacted by ALS deserve to be supported, educated, and uplifted. Our foundation is about making sure no one feels alone in this fight."

In 2020, Jessi created a bucket list to ensure her life would be filled with meaningful experiences and memories. From attending concerts by her favorite band, Old Dominion, to quiet moments with friends, Jessi has embraced life's sweetness despite its challenges.

"Life is short—make it sweet," she says, quoting one of her favorite Old Dominion lyrics. "The most meaningful moments are often the simple ones: sitting with friends, laughing, or just enjoying the beauty of the world around me."

Spreading Awareness and Hope

ALS awareness is a crucial part of Jessi and Rebecca's work. The foundation not only supports local families but also educates the broader community about the realities of the disease.

"Every 90 minutes, someone is diagnosed with ALS, and every 90 minutes, someone loses their battle," Rebecca explains. "These numbers are staggering, and they're only expected to rise. By 2040, ALS incidence is predicted to increase by 70% worldwide."

Jessi experienced her first ALS symptom in October of 2019 and received her terminal diagnosis in March of 2020.

“As the world shut down for a global pandemic, Jessi and her family were just learning the ins and outs of the ‘life’ for someone with ALS,” Rebecca recalls. “She was given a harrowing prognosis of 2-4 years, which is on par for those with the disease.” 

Since her diagnosis, Jessi has spent her time “spreading joy and optimism to her community of supporters and creating awareness for ALS.”

“Joy is a choice, not a circumstance,” Jessi says, as she continues to live every moment. "ALS doesn't discriminate," Jessi says. "It doesn't care who you are, what you look like, or what you do. It can impact your life at any time and, currently, it is a death sentence. Local families deserve to be aware, to have resources, and support.” And that’s exactly what these two friends do: ensure that families facing this battle have the resources and support they need.

A Special Milestone

March 6, 2025, will mark the fifth anniversary of Jessi's diagnosis—a significant milestone given the disease's grim statistics. 

"I always celebrate the day for the simple fact that I am still living,” says Jessi. “I take time to grieve and reflect [on this milestone each year].” Jessi remains steadfast in her faith and is grateful the Lord called her to renew her faith right before her diagnosis. “This was truly such a profound moment in my testimony… I truly surrendered and died to my old self… It’s hard and the emotions that come with it are overwhelming at times. BUT GOD. He is good. So I am going to be thanking Him for His goodness by worshipping, praying, and fasting during this time.” 

“Please keep praying for me,” Jessi adds, “my breathing and miraculous healing as I get ready to enter another year!" 

This year, the Fight ALS for Jess Foundation will launch their first round of available merchandise for purchase in honor of Jessi's anniversary diagnosis. Details regarding the launch will be available on their Facebook page (The Fight ALS for Jess Foundation).

A Community of Support

Jessi's story has touched countless lives, bringing together a community of supporters who uplift and celebrate her. Jessi is surrounded by love and encouragement, from family and friends to caregivers and advocates, many of whom gathered in late October for the Inaugural FXBG Walk to Fight ALS for Jess. 

"Jessi is one of the strongest women I know, but she does it with the help of her community, lifting her up and supporting her along the way,” Rebecca says. “This walk and these people, it means something. No, it means everything. Showing up for the people in your life matters. Seeing a sea of people show up for a disease matters. Don't stop showing up."

Jessi is incredibly grateful for her people, too.

"I feel so blessed," Jessi says. "I don't ask, 'Why me?' Instead, I thank God for the amazing people in my life. I'm never alone on this journey."

Rebecca agrees, emphasizing the importance of community in their mission. "Jessi's joy is contagious. She inspires everyone around her to live with gratitude and purpose. That's the legacy we want to build through the foundation—a legacy of love, support, and joy."

Through the Fight ALS for Jess Foundation, Jessi and Rebecca create a ripple effect of positivity and hope. They encourage others to find joy in the midst of their struggles and to cherish the simple, beautiful moments life offers. Their story is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of joy.

Choosing and Spreading Joy

"Don't wait for the perfect circumstances to choose joy," Jessi advises. "Life will always have challenges, but you can decide to see the good, to be thankful, and to live fully. That's what I've learned, and that's what I want to share with others."

Rebecca adds, "Jessi's courage and faith remind us that even in the hardest battles, we can find light. She's a beacon of hope, not just for those with ALS, but for anyone facing adversity."

As Jessi and Rebecca continue their journey, they remain steadfast in their mission to fight ALS and spread joy. With the unwavering support of their community, the foundation is poised to make a lasting impact, ensuring that no family faces ALS alone.

"Together, we can make a difference," Jessi says. "We can bring hope, love, and light to those who need it most. That's the heart of everything we do."

In a world often overshadowed by challenges, Jessi and Rebecca remind us that joy is always within reach—it's a choice, a mindset, and a gift to be shared.