Junnie Hagar’s Ovarian Cancer Fight

Junnie Hagar, age 37, Fiancé to Josh Cole, mother to 6 children, ranging in age of 4 to 15, is in the fight of her life. She has been diagnosed with Stage 3 Ovarian Cancer, which was discovered following a biopsy of her appendix. A devastating and, potentially, fatal diagnosis, rare in someone her age. Statistically speaking, Ovarian Cancer is the 5th leading cause of cancer related death in women.

With this news, came the fears, the tears and the battle of what lie ahead. Her biggest worry is for her children. “I’m not ready to leave them yet,” as she begins figuring out what she needs to do before her treatment starts. Cleaning, organizing, preparing and making sure everyone in her family is okay. With 6 kids that is an everyday thing, but now suddenly it feels much different, much heavier. She pushes herself to keep going, despite her body telling her this is bad, with a trip to the ER for fluids and meds to treat the dehydration from endless vomiting, a symptom of her illness.

How does one tell their children that this is happening? She models strength for them, and despite her own fear, she puts on a brave, but teary, face to tell them what is happening. She communicates her love for them and tries to help them have hope and faith that things will be alright. Inside her fears are so much more than just the diagnosis. Along with the Ovarian Cancer, she worries for the survival of her family – how will they possibly manage going from two modest incomes, down to one income for the next year.

In her mind, she is still maintaining hope that she will be able to return to work “as soon as possible.” Junnie has worked in healthcare providing help to others most all of her life. She is an honest, dedicated, hard worker who truly cares for the individuals she encounters in her job. Always a quiet, calm, pleasant and kind demeanor, she has worked tirelessly to make the lives of others a little bit easier, a little bit brighter. The reality of the situation, however, is that depending on the course of treatments to come over the next year, it is likely she will need to be the one accepting the help, rather than giving it, at work or home. This will be a challenge for her. She has never been afraid to ask for help, but she would rather be that strong woman who will figure out how to do it on her own.

She is having surgery today (9/21/22) to remove all reproductive organs, part of her liver, part of her spleen and to explore and hopefully remove any other areas of cancer. After she recovers, she will begin an aggressive course of chemotherapy that could last for up to the next year. Plans are subject to change depending on how things go and what they find in surgery.

Needless to say, HER FIGHT IS OUR FIGHT… as her extended family, we are rallying together, prepared to help in any way possible. Through love, prayers, well wishes, house cleaning help, meals, snacks, supplies and financial donations, WE ARE DETERMINED TO HELP THIS FAMILY OF 8 SURVIVE! We are in the process of planning Garage Sales, Bake Sales and other fund raising ventures to begin in the near future. All we ask is that YOU take a moment to consider in today’s world how difficult this fight will be. Please PRAY, if you are religious or send HEALING VIBES, if you are not. We also HOPE THAT YOU WILL CONSIDER DONATING to her cause. Funds will be used to offset living expenses, such as Rent, Transportation Cost related to treatments, co-pays for medications and/or medical equipment, if

needed.