My best friend Jennifer was recently diagnosed with Breast Cancer, but this disease did not pick the right person to mess with! 

Let me paint a picture: 

Jen is smart, resilient, caring, and generous.  It could easily be said that she has a heart larger than a big, blue whale. 

She has not only fostered and cared for countless (sometimes very challenging) dogs awaiting permanent adoption, she has also managed to find time to be a volunteer for suicide prevention. She’s no stranger to calling for help when seeing someone in distress and waiting for first responders “just in case”, and it’s happened more than once. 

If you’ve run into her, there is no doubt she was carrying Narcan, a medication used to block the effects of opioids, “just in case” she’d collide with someone who has overdosed, so she could give them a second chance at life. 

All the while, completing a masters in art therapy and working numerous jobs in the field of mental health. It should come as no surprise that she has chosen a career in counselling and dedicates herself to helping others. 

On Instagram, it’s plain to see the unconditional love she has for her three cats Raven, Grey, Fritz, and Stella her giant, black, furry dog! Raven is actually the one that helped her notice the lumps which may have possibly saved her life. She loves animals so much, she once rescued a bird outside of the Verdun metro and even called a few days later to find out the bird had recovered and was gracefully released back in nature by the sanctuary. 

If only animals could donate, I’m sure we wouldn’t even have to rely on human generosity! 

With this new reality of COVID-19 and isolation, there is an added layer of hardships to go along with this diagnosis. Just when you need it the most, you are denied the physical support and comfort from your loved ones, and left alone to deal with the fear and anxiety of this sudden news. 

In true fashion, Jen has gone to her appointments extremely cautious for others' safety and remaining as healthy as possible “just in case”. 
True to herself, she is still determined to graduate this summer by completing her 2nd masters in social work at McGill University. This is where your help and support is needed! 

Jen will be turning 35 this June and we do not want to leave her to navigate through this alone. 

Because she was only working part time during her studies, it will become quickly difficult to cover all of her usual expenses while undergoing treatments. Since her plans to work, and pay back her mounting student debt have been put on hold like so many of us, it is now Jen’s turn to need someone like herself, to help alleviate some of the stress associated with this financial burden pressing down on her. 

She needs all the strength she can find to fight this battle, to eventually get back to her CrossFit box cured and cancer free, and finally go back to being the person anyone should be so lucky to have by their side in time of need. 

In order to help with fundraising, I will be shaving my head to join her in solidarity during the gremlin looking phase. A picture will be posted in June. As well, part of the money raised will be donated to a cancer foundation of Jen’s choice. 

Thank you in advance for your support!  Please donate and/or share generously! 

(VERSION FRANCAISE EN CONSTRUCTION)