Medical and Recovery Funds for Jen Nonas
Donation protected
My friend and colleague, Jen Nonas, was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year. Her treatment included surgery, chemo and radiation and just when she thought she was in the clear, Jen was then diagnosed with lung cancer and sarcoma in her left leg. Today Jen underwent surgery to have her left leg amputated. A few hours after surgery she was texting thank you messages to her well-wishers. Jen is going to pull through this, I am certain. She will likely be the poster girl for Positive Psychology :) Jen has shared about her experience in her blog meandlumpy.
Still, Jen is only 35 years old and has quite a bit of recovery ahead of her. She has not been able to work for nearly a year (unpaid leave of absence) and has racked up considerable medical costs despite insurance. As much as I'd like to see Jen with a bionic leg doing sprints down Kelly Drive one day, I know she's got some work to do before that happens. If you could find it in your heart, wallet, and busy schedule to take the time to donate $5 or more, and then send this to someone who might do the same, I think we can really make a difference in her recovery. And remember, a little bit of money from a lot of people = a lot of money!
A little background... I met Jen when we started a Master's program together for Art Therapy at Drexel University (Hahnemann Hospital) in 2006. Her small voice and gentle stature didn't appear to be very intimidating until you actually stopped to listen to what she had to say. Within a few weeks I realized that Jen would be one to throw the grading curve for the rest of us (darn her!) :) She is the kind of person who not only knows her stuff, but also takes the time to explain it to everyone else. I know that on numerous occasions she has helped classmates get through theses (something I would never, ever, ever do for fear of ptsd onset alone). And after graduation she told me that at one point she had a caseload of 90 clients - yes, 90!!! when I always griped that 45 was over the top for me. Jen, of course, smiled through it all, acknowledging that some of it was ridiculous and maintaining a positive attitude despite the craziness. Anyway, here is my point... Jen has touched a lot of lives in a positive way. Let's find a way to help her get through this; I don't think you can ever get enough support when you're faced with something like she is going through now. And for those who know her well, please find a place - this site, or maybe her facebook page, to share a story about how Jen has influenced your life. If you're up for it... if not, just give money!!! (lol) And stay positive :)
Still, Jen is only 35 years old and has quite a bit of recovery ahead of her. She has not been able to work for nearly a year (unpaid leave of absence) and has racked up considerable medical costs despite insurance. As much as I'd like to see Jen with a bionic leg doing sprints down Kelly Drive one day, I know she's got some work to do before that happens. If you could find it in your heart, wallet, and busy schedule to take the time to donate $5 or more, and then send this to someone who might do the same, I think we can really make a difference in her recovery. And remember, a little bit of money from a lot of people = a lot of money!
A little background... I met Jen when we started a Master's program together for Art Therapy at Drexel University (Hahnemann Hospital) in 2006. Her small voice and gentle stature didn't appear to be very intimidating until you actually stopped to listen to what she had to say. Within a few weeks I realized that Jen would be one to throw the grading curve for the rest of us (darn her!) :) She is the kind of person who not only knows her stuff, but also takes the time to explain it to everyone else. I know that on numerous occasions she has helped classmates get through theses (something I would never, ever, ever do for fear of ptsd onset alone). And after graduation she told me that at one point she had a caseload of 90 clients - yes, 90!!! when I always griped that 45 was over the top for me. Jen, of course, smiled through it all, acknowledging that some of it was ridiculous and maintaining a positive attitude despite the craziness. Anyway, here is my point... Jen has touched a lot of lives in a positive way. Let's find a way to help her get through this; I don't think you can ever get enough support when you're faced with something like she is going through now. And for those who know her well, please find a place - this site, or maybe her facebook page, to share a story about how Jen has influenced your life. If you're up for it... if not, just give money!!! (lol) And stay positive :)
Organizer
Rachel Braun
Organizer
Philadelphia, PA
