Our friend Jen Curran was recently diagnosed with multiple myeloma. It's a rare form of cancer in the bone marrow and she begins treatment Tuesday, August 6.

What we know right now is that she's looking at 6 months of chemotherapy followed by a stem cell transplant and at least 2 years of medication and monitoring. She's getting more tests done to ensure the cancer hasn't spread to other parts of her body.

The doctors are optimistic that remission is probable. That said, there's a lot she will be going through to get to that point. Due to the freelance nature of Jen's and her husband Kevin's work, they'll be paying for their health insurance out of pocket. Their monthly obligation to their provider is $1700 a month. Other costs will include co-pays, drug prescriptions, child care, as well as additional treatment-related expenses.

As an added twist, Jen is a new mother. She and Kevin welcomed Rose - their happy, healthy baby girl - 5 months ago. But it was a complicated pregnancy so her diagnosis comes after an already physically demanding year.

If you're reading this, it's likely you already know what a unique and brilliant person Jen is. She's a comedian, a storyteller, a teacher, and improviser. She's a feminist, a dog mom, a cat mom, a baby mom, a coffee addict, and an all-around badass.

Did you also know that she's gotten into multiple altercations at multiple dog parks with multiple strangers as the defender of basic dog-poop etiquette?  Well...she has. And they deserved it.

Jen is somebody you want in your corner.

Now she needs our support. We love her so much. Please consider helping any way you can.