Her motto was “be kind, be brave, be well”, and it was an inspiration for many.
Jessica Ainscough died on February 26th, aged just 30.
Seven years earlier, the motivational speaker developed a very rare cancer known as epithelioid sarcoma, which affects the upper extremities of young adults.
The former online editor of Dolly made the decision to turn her life around, going from society pages socialite to self-styled Wellness Warrior. Her transformation began with moving home from Sydney to the Sunshine Coast and becoming immersed in alternative healing.
After some early conventional medical intervention failed to work, Jess chose to pursue the route of Gerson Therapy – which involves several coffee enemas a day, natural supplements and a strictly organic, plant-based diet – rather than have her arm amputated. It was, she told the Sydney Morning Herald, “a gamble I was willing to take.”
In 2013 she had to cope with the loss of her mother, Sharyn Ainscough, from breast cancer. At the same time, her profile as a holistic health advocate was fast rising. As well as writing a book – Make Peace With Your Plate – she had a devoted following on her blog and social media, with 34,000 Instagram followers alone.
Just last January, 2014, Jess presented her new Wellness Warrior Live show to an audience of 320 at the Darling Quarter Theatre in Sydney, but after seemingly being in remission for four years, Jess has tragically lost her battle. Her final blog post describes her attempts to accept the situation.
Our thoughts go to Jessica’s family and friends.
