Love for Laina

Hello Everyone, Family, Friends,

It is with a heavy, sinking heart that I'm here on Go Fund Me, but it’s with the absolute, no-brainer of need to help and support one of the most kindhearted, giving, caring people I've ever known, one of my very best friends in the world, more like my "little sister", Laina. Laina was unfortunately, very recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Yes, it happened fast! When I got the call from Laina, I remember feeling like I was in a tunnel hearing her words and thinking no, this can't be happening, and it must be some mistake...she was diagnosed with breast cancer on October 7th, her wedding anniversary. So, it’s a somber reality and with no time to spare, it’s Go Time because together as a Team, as a Family, we are going to beat this! Her husband Jake will be right hand man at her side together with our village of warriors getting things from food trains to running errands and with this short notice we go!

As anyone would hearing this news of someone they love dearly, I had this instant urge to help, to stop it in its tracks from harming her any further. But I can not do that, sadly. The next possible best and really only way I have any power and can help is to start a Warrior Woman campaign to ensure she can focus all her energy on her treatment… and leave her ‘other’ fears and worries at the door. So, I sat down to discuss and understand what this meant, timing, treatment, more timing and what it was realistically going to look like on her life. I’m sure it’s to no one’s surprise, the financial burden this will bear.

It boils down to this: medical bills, copays and lost wages. There it is those expenses alone will be extensive and while my little sister Laina begins the fight of her life I’m setting out to ease this burden best I can. By zero choice of her own she's been taken off work for at least 6 months. That alone is devastating to a hard worker that never complains. LET'S LIFT HER SPIRITS UP and give her confidence to go in strong. She is deserving of this, not just because she is cherished and loved by many, but because I’ve watched her be diligent and focused busting her butt since a teenager working to support herself, never relying on another never complaining and always raising her own bar. The last thing she needs to be worrying about at this time is finances. Because trust me when I say this type of speed bump in the road of life can and does take families out. And that is super sad, when you think about what it is that cost is compared to – a beautiful irreplaceable life. No, I’m not going to let this super hard-working woman stress her heart out over thoughts of this during chemo treatment. This is no way to head into the fight of a lifetime with the ACTUAL worst kind of worries looming and if I can help it she will be as clear as can be between herself and her spirit for the next 6 months. So let me tell you a little story...

I met Laina when I was 29, she was 19 years old. We both worked at a law firm and during that time became very close very quickly and soon we were roommates and straight to well, like Family. We both had been thru a lot by that time in life and me being a decade ahead of the tall, sweet, curious beauty Laina, I was like a mentor to her and she was never ever short on questions for me about all things life LOL, I loved that about her, and the thing about Laina is she actually took my advice unlike most. In fact, she’s worked her tail off since, for the last 20 years Laina has put in hard work and diligence to advance herself in her career, having missed college, she made up for it in other ways, as I did. One of our bonds is I keep her resume in my computer and every say two years she calls and says ‘Ok I’m ready, can you please update my resume?” Always doing the work to be the best person she could be. Oh, and she got the job she went after every time. Next thing I know she's BFF’s with my sister Melissa HAHA!! Well they were closer in age after all, they were 2 peas in a POD for sure! Then she even began her monthly sleepovers at my Mom’s house to spend time with her too, yes without me! That's the special kind of friend Laina is to everyone. Mel's passing was extremely hard on Laina too, and I can't tell you how much she stood by mom and me during that unbearable time. She sure gives a lot…well Now she needs…This is a TOTALLY deserving woman, period. Laina is definitely the 'give the shirt off her back' gal, and I've watched her do this on a daily basis for the last 20 years in one form or another, she is just that person and you will agree this world needs a helluva lot more of that! She’s been there for me, and my family without fail. And you know, Laina is priceless to the world. And because this is just simply..This is just so very important to the well being and future of so many people that Laina loves and cares for and provides for.

I could go on but so I humbly, graciously ask you to PLEASE help and give what you can to a highly deserving woman, so that my beautiful, young, shining light can get through this, with at least what power we do have in this instance which is to give her less worry and to ensure she can use her All Her Energy for only one thing: to beat this cancer. Because you see, I am not going to lose another little sister. So here I am, ready to go to battle right alongside Laina, because the truth is, I need her. A LOT of people need her, and Laina to me IS the Zest of life and she lights up the rooms she enters.

A Message from Laina: I am stage 2, grade 3, triple negative invasive ductal carcinoma. Triple negative means spreadable and aggressive. The Oncologist decided that due to the aggressive nature of this particular type of cancer that they want to do 8 weeks of chemo then another 12 weeks of another kind of chemo. After I have recovered from that I will get either a lumpectomy followed by radiation or a mastectomy.

Laina will be donating any all extra raised funds for a charity she will name at the time. Laina has a special thank you to My Aunt Joanne, Aunt Gina, Aunt Cyndi and Karen .

Laina got her port in last week, and on Monday November 1, her chemo begins. That is right now so LET'S GO warriors! Please Show some Love for Laina xxoo

Big Sis,

Jen