Jennifer Clark

Jennifer Clark is an active and outgoing thirty eight year old mother of three. She has been married to her husband, Michael Clark since 2005.  She and her family reside in Alexandria, Indiana. Recently Jennifer was diagnosed with Stage 4 Non Cell Lung Cancer. Jennifer has been a stay at home mother, with their two youngest children.  She has never smoked and has led a healthy life style. Jennifer and Michael’s two youngest children have special needs that require many trips to Riley Children’s Hospital. Two weeks before being diagnosed with Stage 4 Non Cell Lung Cancer, Jennifer had felt under the weather and thought maybe she had bronchitis. The Clark family had no idea that their world was about to be turned upside down. Jennifer and Mike received the devastating news just days after seeking initial medical attention. The doctors called them into the office and informed them that she was sick, but not with bronchitis; Jennifer was diagnosed with cancer and was admitted into the hospital immediately.

The first few days were full of multiple tests and scans.Jennifer underwent two procedures to drain the fluids offher heart as a result of the cancer. As the days passed, the test results were beginning to come in, the Clark familystruggled to make sense of what was happening. The results came back that the cancer, that was thought to beisolated to her right lung, had in fact spread to ten other spots on the right side of the body. Multiple spots were also discovered on her brain. The Clark’s then learned that Jennifer was diagnosed with an aggressive Stage 4 Non Cell Lung Cancer.  This form of cancer is incurable. The doctors suggested to start radiation and chemotherapytreatments to try and afford her as much time as possible with her loved ones.

Jennifer was released from the hospital one month after that life altering day in which cancer changed her life. She would finish radiation at home, before starting the chemo treatments. After receiving another CT scan, Jennifer and Michael sat in the doctor’s office awaiting her results. The results showed that the cancer spread to her left side of her body. The doctors then explained that the effectiveness of the radiation and chemo and was not what they were hoping for.  The cancer is spreading all over her body. Jennifer’s pain will continue to increasing daily.

Less than a month and a half has passed and the Clark family has had the most devastating prognosis ever imagined.  She is a mother who stays home to tend to the children and their specific needs.  She still continues to fight and her faith in God remains strong.

Jennifers oldest daughter is  17 years of age and she loves spending time with her mom and having family time. 

The-Clark’s middle child was born in 2006.  She was diagnosed at 3 months old with a genetic disorder called Williams Syndrome. Her first open heart surgery was at 4months old. The doctors sent this little 5 month old,beautiful baby girl, home with her parents with a very slim hope that she would make it to her 1st birthday.  Since that time this little girl has undergone four open heart surgeries, eight heart cauterizations, and over forty angioplasties. Doctor’s reiterate at each appointment, “just enjoy every day with her, love her because we cannotpromise how long she would be here on earth with your family.”

The Williams Syndrome also causes many other issues with their daughter. She suffers from seizures, asthma, developmental delays, low muscle tone, and circulation issues. Last year they celebrated her 12th birthday. With the assistance of “Make a Wish Foundation,” their celebration took place at Disney World.  Jennifer and Michael call their little girl their “walking miracle”.

The youngest child was born in 2009. He has been diagnosed with bowel issues, bladder issues, Tethered Spine Syndrome, Autism, ADD, ADHD and has already undergone spinal surgery in his short life. He is very quiet and just like his sister he has so much love to share with the world.

The Clark family is in need of assistance with medicalexpenses, house payments, utilities bills, and food. The Clark’s family, friends, and their church have surroundedthem with unconditional love. Many tears have fallen, and prayers being sent as everyone still tries to process the tremendous heart ache that has consumed this family. Jennifer’s husband and family have stepped in to ensure that their children have all their daily needs met.

Jennifer was asked what could be done to help.  She answered that they needed a new roof and they just do not have the money due to all the medical expenses that are piling up. She envisioned another family vacation to the beach.  Unfortunately the cancer is spreading so fast and taking so much of her energy that she can’t travel very far, so she would like to make as many memories as possible with her family on day trips that are local. She wanted professional pictures done of the family.  Most of all she wants her children to know how much she loves them and for the cancer not to take her away from the people that she loves the most.