About Our Sanctuary
Jesse J Sanctuary, a nonprofit (501c3) organization, was inspired by the incredible journey of Jesse, a courageous soul who fought a relentless battle against Glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.
Her unwavering spirit and the incredible impact of those who extended their kindness during her journey inspired us to create this foundation. We believe that every cancer patient and their family should have the opportunity to experience moments of respite and tranquility amidst nature's embrace.
Our foundation aims to provide free hideaways in rural Des Moines, Iowa, where cancer patients and their families can find solace and create lasting memories. By immersing themselves in the serenity of nature, we hope to offer a haven where they can find peace, strength, and renewed hope during their challenging times.
A Life Full of Love, Learning & Teaching:
Remembering and Honoring the Beautiful Life of Jesse J
From an early age, Jesse demonstrated verbal talent. At 14 months she spoke in full sentences. Growing up, her favorite game was playing school with her sister and cousin where she was almost always the teacher.
Jesse then became fond of school supply shopping. She loved all the tools of education including colored paper, bright patterned folders, and pens which she made excellent use of. She graduated high school as valedictorian, BA Summa Cum Laude, Masters plus 16, and a merit scholarship for her law degree from Drake.
Jesse had a passion for learning, both as a teacher and a student. She was able to teach junior high English before receiving a merit scholarship for law school. She loved to travel and was able to study for a semester in Scotland where she met lifelong friends.
Jesse married her soulmate Mosa in 2012 and they had 2 boys. Isah, her firstborn, was 5 and her youngest son, Arman, was 3 when she lost her battle against Glioblastoma.
Her firstborn, Isah, arrived during her third year of law school and she passed the bar with a newborn. Amidst all of the challenges, she would always excel with confidence.
During Jesse’s time with us, she was never one to judge and could make everyone feel special in her presence. She enjoyed reading, practicing yoga, cooking, gardening, swimming, riding her bicycle, and going on hikes. She loved music and could dance like no other. Jesse showed amazing strength through her cancer journey. Her grace, courage and faith were inspiring to all who were fortunate enough to know this amazing rock of a soul.
Our Board of Directors
Minoo Spellerberg
President
Rick Spellerberg
Vice President
Kathy Towner
Secretary
Peggy Ranfeld
Treasurer
Beth Johnson
Director
Sheila Allbee
Director
Emily Burton
Director
Advisors
Bridget Shapansky
Advisor
Committees
Our volunteers are motivated individuals or groups who care deeply for all of us who are impacted by cancer.
If you are interested in supporting families and patients, please consider joining one of our committes:
- Community Outreach Committee
- Fundraising & Events Committee
Please contact us directly for more information at info@jessejsanctuary.com.
Honoring Every Cancer Patient
With the beautiful life that Jesse led, we hope to provide you with a space in nature to create memories that are just as beautiful with your loved ones who are undergoing cancer treatment.
From our guests...
Rick & Minoo,
Thank you so much. This place is incredible! What a gift to people who have gone through a hard time. What a pleasure it was to unplug for the weekend. Some of our family came down and we played games and did puzzles and enjoyed quality time. What a blessing.
my cancer journey was compared to others, fairly "normal." Went in for routine mammogram. Called back for do-over, then biopsy, then "the talk." I moved from oh shit to now what pretty quickly. Lost hair, radiation, and done. About 2 months ago - uh oh - lesion on kidney. Surgery 2 weeks ago - it's gone and benign Whew.
To all the rest of you going th rough this, make sure to join some group and meet others you can ask questions or just talk. A few which helped me are Can Do Cancer, Above + Beyond Cancer, and a Fly Fishing one I don't remember the name of.
Good luck and God Bless.
Sue