Jenn’s Journey

Hi, my name is Jennifer. I am 33 years old and a wife and mother of 2 wild boys, ages 3 and 7. In 2015, just four days before Christmas, I was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma. A very rare pediatric cancer.

At the time of my diagnosis, I was 16 weeks pregnant with my second child. A few months later, on April 19, 2016 I had an emergency c-section at 34 weeks. Our baby boy beat the odds and is the definition of a miracle.

In January of 2017 I was told I was in remission. Our family celebrated, but in 6 short months I relapsed. The cancer was back in my neck. After a neck dissection and a few chemos, a scan unfortunately showed the new chemo was not working. My cancer metastasized to my leg, lung, and lower back.

Since then I’ve had numerous surgeries, over 60 radiation treatments, and over 100 chemo treatments. I’ve been on about 8 different chemos every week or every 2 weeks for over 3 years.

The worst part about my cancer is the amount of time I’ve missed out on life. Family functions like weddings and birthdays, or my sons’ school performances and sporting events, or just watching my kids grow up without me.

Through it all I believe there is a greater purpose. My life is not perfect, but I consider myself blessed. My faith in God, support of my family, friends and Facebook followers, who I call Flashlights, on my page #JennsJourney has helped me on my journey.

Cancer is a terrible disease and I hate it, but I’ve met some incredible people because of it. I know in a way I’m thankful for my diagnosis. I’ve been told I wasn’t going to make it but nobody can put an expiration date on me. My goal for the future is to help other cancer warriors and caregivers during the most difficult time in their life. I believe God gave me these mountains to show people they can be moved.

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