Our daughter, Jennifer Cooper Burns, is 35-years-old living with her husband, Leon, and two young daughters in Chesterfield, VA. Vanessa just turned 10 and Niyah is 16 months old.
Jennifer was just diagnosed with breast cancer and is scheduled to undergo a double mastectomy and removal of her ovaries. This was devastating news to our family. Jennifer is a beautiful person and this catastrophe has come too early in her life. She is facing the future courageously and with a positive outlook and we are extremely proud of her.
Jennifer has already used all of her sick days and vacation time and, because she has worked at her present job for less than a year, she could be dismissed. Leon works for himself as a car transporter but work has been slow lately. They rent a small apartment. Their savings have been depleted and her temporary disability pays $200 per week making it a struggle to keep up with the mounting bills.
The following is a message Jennifer sent to her co-workers. I think it is meant for all of us.
Well, obviously I wouldn't wish this condition on
anyone. It's been a real kick in the gut
to us. But somehow, even good things
always seem to come out of the bad. The greatest
gift I've been given, next to my girls and my husband, is the knowledge that
there are really wonderful people in the world.
How fortunate I am to know so many of them. How lucky I am for the family, friends,
neighbors, fellow workers and people I barely know who have surrounded and
smothered me with the love and attention you've all given. It's quite overwhelming. The support you've shown gives me the
strength and courage to face what comes.
I'm determined to deal with whatever God has in store. And with your prayers, blessings and sweet
smiling faces we'll get through this.
Thank you, thank you, and thank you some more. You'll never know what your concern means to
me.
Her friends and family are prayerfully asking for any help that can be offered to this very worthy family.
