Hi there,

My name is Daniel Mendez, younger brother of Jennifer Mendez, and here is our story to share with you.

Jennifer is a 1x Cancer Survivor and currently under hospice care due to a second Cancer diagnosis. At 12 years old, Jen battled Stage 4 Hodgkins Lymphoma and won this battle in little over a year. She showed determination and grit when receiving her Chemotherapy while also juggling a new school and new friends. When she rang the bell of survival, we believed this was the end of a chapter and onto a new life as a survivor.

Throughout her teenage life, she continued to practice healthy habits, live life to the fullest and spend time with loved ones. She was eager for a new life, leading to her joining her school's band and excelling at Alto and Baritone Saxophone. While continuing her studies, she routinely went to Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago for remission checkups!

Fast Forward to 25 years of age...

On July 1st, 2024, Jennifer was diagnosed with A.L.L, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia; commonly diagnosed in children but adults can get it too. Jenni was living in Michigan, where she planned on starting a new life, start fresh, and continue her studies to become a Registered Nurse; however, destiny had a different path for her. Abandoning her dreams, Jennifer paused her studies to focus on her health and begin her Chemotherapy treatment.

The months went by, and she moved back home to Chicago to be under the care of our mom, Areli and her siblings, David and myself. Jennifer enjoyed being surrounded by loved ones and chemotherapy felt easy when we joined her for laughs and activities to keep her distracted. Although Jennifer was strong...the Leukemia was stronger. A stem cell transplant was the final treatment in hopes of a cure.

The stem cell transplant was completed on April 11th, 2025, and all felt great. My sister was taken home after a month stay in the hospital post-transplant... within a week she was back. Life has not been the same since and it has been a long battle of survival and after many trials and medications, Jennifer became severely ill.

Currently, she's been admitted at Northwestern Memorial Hospital since August 27th, 2025. In the ICU, she was intubated, and prognosis was not the best. She began to perk up, and we thought all was going well and was transferred to oncology to resume cancer treatment. Jennifer has not been the same since and has become weak; from body aches to her deteriorating lungs and now vocalizing her defeated after a courageous battle for her life.

She has now elected to go under hospice care for a peaceful and pain free passing. Jennifer has been a tremendous daughter, sister, and friend to all. Remembered for being the light of a party and always aiming to bring a smile to those around. Given her young age and previous cancer diagnosis, she was ineligible for life insurance. We would love to honor her with a dignified funeral as her final wish was to be buried in Chicago for ease of visitation from family and friends.

Message from the family:

"Asking for assistance isn't always easy; however, sometimes a helping hand can alleviate so much pain and uncertainty."

Donations will go towards funeral home costs, flowers and memorial items, and cemetery costs.

We thank you for taking the time to read about our cause and thank you from the bottom of our hearts for any donation made, God bless you!

Warmest,

Family of Jennifer Mendez

UPDATE:

Our sweet and brave, Jennifer, passed away on October 7th, 2025. Her wake will take place on Tuesday, October 14th followed by a funeral on the 15th. Thank you for all who have donated.