Jen's Journey to Kick Cancer's A S S !!

At the beginning of August, Jennifer Lynn was working full speed in Walnut Creek at the Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) as a Veterinary Services Administrator. This was nothing new for Jen. She has been an integral part of ARF and is approaching her 20 year anniversary this October! Raising awareness, funds and volunteering her time in countless ways to save animals is in her DNA. Her month started off caring for animals that had found their way to her with promise and hope to find a new trajectory. To be able to live out their lives, in a fur-ever home surrounded by humans that love and care for them.

Then on August 31st, everything changed. Jennifer was admitted to a local Emergency Department at the behest of her sister, Rochelle. After having received a concerning call from a co-worker of Jen's earlier that day, Rochelle came to find her sister home in a somewhat limited capacity. When Jen was unable to communicate and respond in a manner that was in keeping with the woman she grew up with, Rochelle then recalled that Jen had been complaining of nausea, headaches and vomiting just a week before. That's when she called for an ambulance. Immediately upon review, the paramedics agreed she was exhibiting cognitive abnormalities and indeed needed the care of a physician. A few hours later, a PET CT and MRI would confirm a devastating diagnosis. Jen had not one but two groups of clusters that specialists were referring to as a Glioma Brain Tumor. The tumor was pressing on her frontal lobe and was the root cause of the recent personality change and limited abilities witnessed by her sister.

Diagnoses:

While a detailed diagnosis will not be available until about a week after surgery, Jennifer's Neurologist is referring to her Brain Tumor as a Glioma. It is located in her left frontal and temporal lobes and is comprised of two sections; a low-grade section that she has likely had for a long time (even years) and a high-grade section that is more aggressive and fast-growing, and has likely caused her more recent symptoms. Gliomas can start as a growth of cells within the brain's nerves, grow quickly and can invade and destroy healthy tissue. Gliomas can happen at any age but tend to occur more often in older adults. Typical symptoms include headaches that keep getting worse, nausea, vomiting, blurred or double vision, and seizures.

Treatment:

Jennifer's treatment will begin on Monday, September 11th, with a Craniotomy that is expected to last 6 to 7 hours. This challenging and costly surgical plan aims to remove a portion of the tumor, which should result in reduced swelling on her frontal lobe that will allow for better cognitive function. Following surgical treatment, she will then undergo chemotherapy and radiation for a period of 6 to 9 months.

We will know more as time goes on and will do our best to update here as we know about the extent of evolving care and needs. Clearly, we are standing at the beginning of what will no doubt be a long journey. What I do know, however, is Jennifer now needs her human community's support and here is why.

Since Jennifer's diagnosis, she has been with family who are monitoring and handling her physical and mental needs as well as logistics, but the tumor has limited Jen's capacity in many ways. Because of this, her work of rescuing animals and working with the ARF community has been completely halted. Although she has insurance, the logistical impacts of her diagnosis will be extensive. From possible stays in facilities after treatment, to in-home support, we anticipate that between all her treatments needed, costs could reach as high as $85,000 in the coming months. We have created this Fundraiser in anticipation of those costs and as a way for Jen's community to offer tangible support in the wake of this unexpected turn of events.

Jennifer is one of those exceptional humans you meet in life who has dedicated her life to making a positive impact on the lives of others. In addition to having worked in the Veterinary field almost her entire adult life, she volunteers her time in many other ways. She is a frequent fixture at both Onstage Theater Company and for a time, Butterfield 8, where she has lent her time and talent. She has been nominated and won two Shellie Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress performances: for Spots of a Leopard in 2014, and MaMa Won’t Fly in 2017. In addition to her performance life, Jen is a dedicated advocate for animals and a skilled practitioner with compassion for pets and caregivers beyond belief. Not only does she relish her role within ARF, she donates her energies to those outside of her immediate community. In the past she has volunteered and traveled to help other veterinarian clinics at times of crisis. Whether it was efforts to help owners reunite with lost pets after natural disasters or working towards relieving overwhelmed shelters. Her compassion and unwavering love for all animals is truly remarkable. Her dedication to serving others and being there for the people and pets in many communities is a steadfast quality. Through her willingness to share herself, she has helped so many animals and humans without ever expecting anything in return.

Now is the time for us to rally together and provide Jen with the support she will need to face the challenges ahead. While her spirit remains unbreakable, the financial burden of medical bills and additional expenses while recovering and completing treatment, is overwhelming. We know that many of you want to support our family voluntarily in many ways. Please follow the link below to make any contribution you like.

We invite you to share Jen's story broadly, and to contribute as generously as you can. If you are local, stay tuned as we hope to have information about other fundraising activities that we hope will help and benefit Jen. Our collective support is crucial to ensuring that Jennifer is able to request and receive the best possible care.

Every dollar donated will go directly towards funding Jen's treatments, medications, doctor's visits, and any other necessary support services that may arise.

If you are unable to donate at this time, we would still appreciate your prayers and your willingness to share this link with your friends and families.

Together, we can make a tangible difference and offer her comfort and strength during this difficult journey. Your generosity, prayers, and positive thoughts will be deeply appreciated. Thank you for being the helping hands that Jen and our family need right now and for showing Jen she is not alone in this battle. Please understand if we are not able to immediately respond to your loving outreach.

We will keep you updated on Jen’s progress. She is surrounded by the love and warmth that she has always shared with others. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for standing by our side. Your compassion and generosity are the rays of hope that will light our upcoming days.

Also to note, I will be spearheading all fundraising efforts so if you have any questions or would like to contribute in an alternative way, please connect with me personally via Facebook (Emily Brown).

With heartfelt gratitude,

Emily

(Story co-written with Lisa Lee, Rochelle Wagner, and approved by Jen Peabody)