Tessa’s Story

The Tessa Sutton Foundation was created in 2023 in honor of Central Illinois teenager, Tessa Sutton. Tessa was diagnosed with an aggressive form of sarcoma in her right chest wall at the age of 15 during her freshman year of high school. Tessa endured 22 months of intense treatment including many types of chemotherapy, radiation and 2 major thoracotomies (chest surgeries). Throughout her battle, Tessa displayed amazing strength and grace, often worrying more about others than herself.

When it became apparent that a cure was not to be, Tessa helped her family create the foundation that bears her name. She had many ideas of how she wanted to give back and “pay forward” the incredible community support shown to her and her family.