Fight With Jenn

Let me introduce to you the Ortiz Family-  a beautiful, hard working, kind, loving family who have had their world completely turned upside down by cancer.

On August 6th  2020, Jenn was at home cooking dinner for her family like any other normal day when she had a significant sized seizure that sent her to the ER. In the emergency room, they did a full work up and found a mass in her brain.  The doctors went to action immediately, unsure from MRI results if it truly was a tumor or an infection. The next day August 7th Jenn had a craniotomy where it was confirmed to be a tumor that was removed and sent out for pathology. At that moment the fight for her life started.

Myself along with 3 of Jenn's other friends had every intention of writing a story to put this into perspective and to captivate your heart, but her husband Matt said it best and I hope his words speaks to your heart and encourages you to help Jenn and her family win this fight. Here are Matt's words ;

"Jenn has been transferred to her rehabilitation hospital to begin physical, speech, and occupational therapy. She will be working hard for the next 10-12 days to regain her strength and dexterity. I feel for Jenn's speech therapist because Jenn loves to talk and focus has never been a strong suit.
We have received the pathology on Jenn's tumor and it's unfortunately heartbreaking. The tumor is called and Glioblastoma Category 4 (GBM), which is an aggressive form of cancer. The treatment for this cancer is 6 weeks of chemotherapy and radiation everyday followed by 6 months of further chemotherapy. Her doctor is looking into trial cancer treatments in other states as there are no trial treatments in Arizona at this time.
Jenn has a David vs Goliath battle in front of her but I don't think cancer knows who it's picking on. Everyone who knows Jenn describes her as the toughest and most determined person they know. When we first met all those years ago I knew she was going to be a handful. Jenn is unique as she leads from the front of the group while never forgetting the people most vulnerable in the back. This is the very reason why she is so excellent at her job, working with detention facilities, courts, probation and police departments statewide on alternatives to juvenile detention. Jenn is determined to get back to work making a difference for the State of Arizona and nationwide.
Our two brave soldiers, Aaron and Ashur, have taken the news as best they can. Just two weeks ago we moved Aaron to Stillwater, Oklahoma for the veterinarian doctoral program at OSU. Ashur has started 4th grade which is an online regiment.
Jenn is intent on beating this, but even the toughest person needs help. Thank you all for your messages and contributions of love and support. Jenn sees these messages and it lifts her heart.
Our fight is going to last several months to many years. During these times we will have many victories and possibly some setbacks. Many of you may not know Jenn personally, but after this you will be amazed by Jenn's tenacity.
No matter what is ahead, I know she is going to fight and I will be there every step of the way fighting with her. Thank you for your continued support."

Please know that any donation big or small is going directly into beating this cancer and prolonging Jenn's life for as long as possible, and if a donation is not possible for you, please just share her story. Through her journey we will continue to update her story here. So keep a look out for updates, photos and videos. 

Thank you, 
Audra 

#FightWithJenn
#CancerShouldBeScared