Jenn's fight against breast cancer

Several people have reached out to me and asked for a GoFundMe page to contribute donations toward my fight with Stage IV breast cancer. As an overly independent woman, I have a hard time asking for charity, but I am completely grateful for any help I receive. This has been a hard fight.

In January 2024, I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. I learned that the cancer had spread to my bones, primarily in my hips, thighs, and lower spine. Blood work revealed dangerously high calcium levels and I was hospitalized at St. Mary's for four days while they continued with scans, more blood work, and a biopsy. It was revealed that my legs were so unstable they were surprised I hadn't broken a hip. I then went to the Missouri Orthopedic Institute where I had rods nailed into both legs. I spent ten days in recovery there. I then went to Rusk Rehabilitation Center where I worked on regaining function in my legs. The 24 days I spent in these three hospitals were some of the hardest and most painful of my life.

I recently had five sessions of radiation therapy at Goldschmidt Cancer Center. I am on hormone blockers and infusions through JCMG Oncology. I really like my team of doctors and trust they are fighting for me to live to see my boy grow up. As a single parent, that is my biggest concern. My son, Blake, is my world. He is my sidekick, travel buddy, snuggle bug, and the reason I fight as hard as I do.

I have put this fight in God's hands and I wake up each morning grateful for another day. I am so lucky to be surrounded by so many friends and family who love and support me no matter how ugly things get.