SEARSPORT — Whether you realize it or not, you’ve probably seen Jessica Howard’s face around Belfast, smiling from the front page of a flyer telling citizens about March Madness events held this past Friday and Saturday benefiting her and her family. A family determined to stay positive despite a February diagnosis that the young CNA’s headaches were the result of a brain tumor.

When Jessica Howard, 25, a lifelong resident of Searsport, began experiencing blurred vision in early 2011 she assumed what most of us might: She needed glasses.  Eventually, her increasingly blurred vision gave way to daily headaches. After a visit to an ophthalmologist revealed her eyes were healthy she was referred to a neurologist, with whom she met just one week later.

Jessica said she wasn’t alarmed during the visit, which included an MRI, sure that the headaches were a minor blip in an otherwise healthy life.

“I was laughing and smiling when the neurologist returned [with the results],” she said.

With her parents by her side, the doctor told her, “it’s not good news; you have a brain tumor.”

Even with the diagnosis laid before her, the news didn’t immediately sink in.

“It was a huge shock, the kind of thing you never think can happen to you,” she said.

The pain she’d assumed would lead to glasses instead resulted in a life-altering diagnosis.  While digesting the news Jessica said she didn’t allow herself to think about it.

“I just focused on taking it day by day, step by step. I didn’t look up any information. I didn’t want to know.”

After the initial diagnosis she was referred to the Dana Farber Cancer Center in Boston, where she underwent additional testing. Jessica turned 25 the day she traveled with her family to hear the results of a biopsy, which brought confirmation of the initial diagnosis and the revelation that the tumor was both aggressive and inoperable.

“That was a tough morning,” she admits.

Despite the devastating news, she refused to let her birthday pass uncelebrated, instead opting for dinner with friends. Since then, she said: “I’ve had moments of sadness and feeling sorry for myself, but they are very brief.” In the face of news that would cast an overwhelming shadow over most, Jessica remains hopeful.

“I try to stay positive; you never know what can happen.”

She looks to the stories of others who have received grim prognoses who go on to live for many years more than they’d been told to expect.

Along with her hope comes the comfort of those in her life — family, friends and members of the community have rallied behind her during the ordeal.

“I feel so blessed to have the life that I do, and the people in it. This one negative thing has brought so many positive things into my life.”

Jessica said she was left speechless when told about the fundraisers that were going to be held in her honor, “there are so many amazing, generous people!”

Indeed, all four events were full of fun and members of the community eager to help. Friday, there was a traditional turkey dinner hosted by the Searsport United Methodist Church. On Saturday morning, March 23, there was the Atlantic Deep Ocean Freeze Polar Bear Plunge kicking off the day at 9 a.m., followed by an alumni basketball game hosted by Belfast Area High School, which saw alumni of both Searsport and Belfast come together to play for Jessica’s benefit. The evening was capped with a performance by the 220’s at Bowens Tavern.

For those who were not able to attend the events but would like to contribute (or those who did attend but would like to contribute more) the March Madness Committee is offering March MadnessTt-shirts for $10 until April 5, with proceeds benefiting Jessica. To place an order, visit their facebook page where you will need to give your name, phone number, email address and the size of the shirt(s) you are ordering. You must prepay.

The warm embrace of her community only strengthens a steadfast resolve to see the good in her life, a life primarily dedicated to helping others. While there has always been kindness and caring, it has, historically, been Jessica offering the comfort to others.  She admits: “It’s a strange feeling to have all these people doing so much for me. It’s an amazing and great feeling, but it’s foreign. It’s hard to know what to say sometimes; all I can do is keep saying thank you.”

Jessica has found that it has, in fact, made her appreciate life, “so much more. It puts everything in perspective, not only for me, but for everyone close to me.”

Her final thought is a sentiment many young adults are never forced to consider: “Life is short. None of us know how much time we have left, and it’s so important to make the most of every single day. Do what makes you happy and just enjoy life. That’s what I’m doing.”

Erica Thoms can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com.