Cancer. Surgery. A Flood. Homeless.

Hi. My name is Mara and I am fundraising for a dear friend and colleague, Jennifer Puhle. Jenn has been through a rough patch and has maintained an attitude of compassion and caring. She is one of the kindest people I know and contributes so much to the community through her program, "Neighbors to Know."

Jenn was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer and had full comprehensive treatment including a double mastectomy, reconstructive surgery, and is still in treatment. Unfortunately, she needed more surgery which she received 2 weeks ago. Then, a frigid weekend arrived while she was home recuperating. The vacant apartment next to hers blew the pipes and completely flooded that unit. With no one the wiser, the water spread and ended up flooding her unit. She has been displaced since, losing just about everything. As Jenn described to me, "There is mold growing to the point you can't be in there more than 10 min without sneezing. Yes, and mildew. And the restoration company from insurance is being very slow so it’s only collecting more as it sits. There is also plaster dust all over everything in the entire apartment from the management company removing the ceiling and parts of the walls.

Furniture is ruined from the water pouring into my bedroom and seeping through to the living room including all the clothes in my closets. I still can’t find my 2 best surgical bras.

As for mementos, while I had a team of wonderful friends helping to move everything out of my room, my hard drives, my flute, irreplaceable cards made by kids for me- all rained on and ruined. Even my waterproof safe is warped."

Her pain while healing is excruciating since she has to manage the disaster and delay taking her medications. Needless to say, she needs everything! She needs money for a new living situation, clothing, and living expenses.

Please help Jenn heal while she lays the foundation for a new home.