Support Jen’s Family

Update April 11: Our family would like everyone to know just how much we appreciate all of your thoughts, prayers, love, kind words, and financial support. To date, we have received enough to pay the expenses related to the cremation service, and we are so very appreciative.

Jennifer’s family has incurred significant debt over the past year due to her diagnosis, and any money coming in from life insurance and retirement accounts will likely not be available to the family for weeks or even months. In the meantime, there are mortgage and bills to pay, groceries to buy, etc.

If you are able to continue donating on a recurring basis, we would be so grateful and will ensure that the money is used to provide for Jennifer’s children.

Thank you, and God bless.

Update April 10: My beautiful sister passed away during the night. We are confident that she transitioned in peace and comfort, surrounded by an amazing team of nurses, and with me holding her hand and Zach on the phone.

This morning our hearts are broken, our bodies are exhausted, and our lives are forever changed.

Jennifer was a beautiful light in this world - the most loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, and friend. There is some peace knowing that she is with our mom in heaven, restored fully to God.

Thank you all for your words of kindness, love, empathy, and support throughout this journey. I know that Jen appreciated and loved you all. May God bless you.

The funds being raised here will now go to supporting the costs involved with funeral home services, which will be approximately $2500. This is on top of the significant expenses already incurred on the journey and future unknowns for her husband and kids. All donations are so greatly appreciated. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts. ❤️

Update April 9: Over the past 2 days, our focus has shifted from one of rehabilitation to one of comfort.

Unfortunately, it seems the cancer is actively spreading in her brain and has caused a sudden and rapid neurological decline. Jen and her family have opted for no further invasive procedures and instead to focus on keeping her comfortable.

We are working on a transition to facility closer to home, but that is proving to be a major challenge due to limited options in the area and lack of open beds. Unless something miraculously becomes available tomorrow morning, we will accept the financial challenge of another rental car and lodging for Zach and the kids to come down again.

My sweet sister, Jennifer, and her family are in need of financial support as they navigate Jen’s recovery from brain surgery to remove a cancerous tumor, which was complicated by a hemorrhage (bleeding) that has left her with profound weakness on her left side (similar to a stroke). Jen was originally diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer last year. And, by the grace of God, her original tumor resolved. Unfortunately, the new brain tumor has been confirmed as the same cancer as last year, which means the cancer has spread.

While the surgery on March 6th was successful in removing the cancerous tumor, Jen has a long road ahead as she works to recover some function of her left arm and leg. She has been in the hospital and then acute rehab for over a month now, and there have been lots of expenses associated with travel and lodging for me to be with her during her hospitalization and for Zach and the kids to visit on the weekend.

We anticipate Jen discharging home in the next couple of weeks (April 10-17th). In addition to expenses already incurred, there are a few things that will be needed to make their home accessible for a wheelchair and other care needs, including a ramp to the front door and a new bath tub.

Any support that you are able to offer would be so appreciated. We also appreciate folks sharing Jen’s story and this GoFundMe account. Let’s show Jen and her family some of the love and light that she has so abundantly shared with others.

With love and a grateful heart, I thank you.

Tamara (aka Tami…the ‘older’ sister)