Jenna's Jedis - Aid for Breast Cancer Treatment

Only 3 months after her wedding, Jenna felt a lump and feared the worst. Fears were confirmed after a biopsy and the arduous breast cancer treatment journey began for her and Drake, as newlyweds. Instead of taking PTO for a honeymoon, Jenna was using all her PTO for chemo and sick days for the aftermath of treatment. 

If you're reading this you are either part of Jenna and Drake's close-knit family, loving friends, fellow members of the disc golf community, beautiful Phish/Jam Band community or you've landed here out of the kindness of your heart. I spoke at Jenna's wedding as her bridesmaid and I'll scream at the edge of the mountaintops for Jenna, as she is the kindest, most generous and selfless woman this world has ever known.

Before you know Jenna's battle with breast cancer, you should know who Jenna is aside from breast cancer.

She's a shining beacon of light and strength before her breast cancer diagnosis. Jenna is the epitome of southern hospitality and positive energy. She's all smiles, inclusivity and love. She moved to San Diego, CA from North Carolina for the love of her life Drake. The two of them are true kids at heart. They love disc golf on the weekends, hiking with their beloved Weimaraner McGrupp, taking trips to their favorite place: Disneyland (they got engaged at Galaxy's Edge), they fell in love over their shared love of music specifically their favorite bands: Grateful Dead and Phish, they have seen countless concerts together and will forever share in the love of live music. Jenna is an animal whisperer and an amazing dog trainer at Petco. She's an amazing wife, sister, daughter and friend. Jenna's strength is unfathomable and the cost of treating breast cancer is the last thing this amazing woman and newlyweds should be dealing with at this time in their lives. 

Cancer has robbed Jenna and Drake of a honeymoon, it's robbed them of enjoying their first year of married life, and it's postponed their plans for a family. It's taken their savings for a home. Their energy has shifted from excitement for the future to fear for what comes next.

In Jenna's own words:

"Time to be real. Cancer sucks. It's a battle, and sure we come out "warriors" in the end. What I don't love so much, is the glorification and glamorization of cancer that depicts some 100% happy-go-lucky, positive warrior attitude. Cancer doesn't deserve the credit. Let me tell you what cancer is:

Cancer is not getting a honeymoon, or even a honeymoon phase.

Cancer is delaying a family when you already felt behind.

Cancer is one surgery after another layered with multiple daily injections in the *hopes* of a successful childbirth in 5 years.

Cancer is chemo. It's nausea, vomiting, fatigue.

Cancer is brushing out days worth of hair in one stroke. It's going through 5 haircuts in one day so you feel like you have some inkling of control.

Cancer is allergic reactions, use this cream, take this pill.

Cancer is medical menopause and hot flashes. Here take another pill.

Cancer is blistering radiation, 5 days a week.

Cancer is using your days off to make appointments.

Cancer is looking in the mirror and not recognizing yourself. It's reinventing your wardrobe, your hats, your makeup, and jewelry, because who is she in the mirror?

Cancer is doing shots, and pulls, and more pills, and imaging and screening and checkups. Breast cancer is a chronic disease, not a one and done.

Cancer is being immunocompromised, no live music, no baseball, no Disney, no crowds. Should I wear a mask, should I not?

Cancer is fatigue from simple walks, missing out on hikes, dog walks, disc golf, swimming, because you just can't hang.

Cancer is life consuming. It robs you blind.

Cancer sucks. "

If you find it in your heart, any contribution towards this fund will help Jenna cover her cancer treatment and any future family planning expenses.